Ultimately, it is the people we train and inspire, who will carry science into the future. It is our most sacred responsibility to mentor them well. * (words from Geoff Wahl, one of Toshi’s mentors).

Our laboratory strives to contribute to our community primarily through two mechanisms; 1) scientific discovery that has the potential to change cancer patients’ lives, and 2) training and mentorship to the next generation of research and clinical scientists – well-trained young individuals will be the source of continued future contributions. We as laboratory researchers also believe research and mentoring, including training and teaching, are inseparable. If we only care about what we actually do, we will get progressively narrowed. Young individuals ask important naive questions which are the source of fresh perspectives. Thus, mentorship and creating a welcoming and personalized training environment is a very top priority in the laboratory. At any level, we provide trainees with the back of mentor(s) who has their interests in mind and can support them moving forward. Our plan is to 1) actively identify their needs for support, 2) be a careful listener and learner for them, 3) create an open and interactive environment enabling mutual critical feedback, and 4) inspire them in our professional space.