Meet the Facilitator: Alyssa Leystra, PhD
Email: aleystra@wisc.edu
Tell us about your role and the work you do at UW–Madison.
I earned my PhD in Cancer Biology at UW–Madison, where I developed a strong interest in mentoring and research education. I then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cancer Prevention Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, continuing to support early career researchers through mentorship and program development.
Following my postdoc, I transitioned into a full-time role focused on designing and delivering professional development programming for early career researchers, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral scholars. This work deepened my commitment to helping researchers build the skills they need to succeed across diverse career paths.
I am now the Associate Director for Skills Development in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. In this role, I lead the development and implementation of a broad portfolio of professional development opportunities and resources for postdocs. I am particularly dedicated to supporting the development of grant writing, communication, and mentorship skills. Through this work, I help postdocs acquire the skills and experiences they need to thrive now and in their future careers.
What are your experiences with and philosophy about mentoring?
Throughout my research training and professional career, I have been both a mentee and a mentor. I have provided formal and informal mentorship to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as postdocs. I see mentorship as a collaborative relationship that encourages mutual growth and learning. Effective mentoring relationships are built on trust, alignment on short- and long-term goals for the relationship, and regular open communication.
Please share something important, interesting, or fun about yourself.
I love spending time outside with my family. Whether we are gardening in the backyard, walking the Great Sauk State Trail, or exploring Devil’s Lake, there is always something new to discover or try. In addition, I love puzzles, mysteries, and games. I have built a sizeable collection of board games that are spread across three bookshelves. I may not have much time to play them right now, but I enjoy the rare evenings when I can gather a group of friends together and take a crack at a new game.
What do you enjoy most about facilitating Delta Research Mentor Learning Communities for Graduate Students and Postdocs?
The Delta Research Mentor Learning Communities offer graduate students and postdocs the opportunity to connect with other early career researchers who are enthusiastic about learning and sharing mentorship skills and approaches. I am honored to help facilitate the rich conversations that emerge from these interactions. I especially enjoy getting to know everyone, watching as participants learn and grow throughout the program, and learning something new myself every time.