By Vicky Falcón
NAVAIR Public Affairs

The journey through life is filled with tough decisions. It is a wise person who takes advantage of the council of someone who has already traveled that road.

When James Knepshield, NAVAIR's deputy director for research and engineering at weapons division, first began his career at China Lake, he benefited from the advice of a supervisor.

"He took me under his wing," Knepshield said. "Whenever I had a decision to make career-wise, he would pose questions to make me really think."

Today, Knepshield is a mentor and has been a mentor to several younger employees at China Lake. "It affords me an opportunity to help a deserving young person grow and mature the way I was helped in the early part of my career."

Further opportunities to help are available this spring as more than 200 young people are seeking mentors within the science and technology arena to help them chart a course for career success.

NAVAIR scientists and technologists (in as many fields as possible) are needed to be "virtual mentors" for 240 high school finalists competing at an upcoming tri-service sponsored Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in April. The Office of Naval Research is sponsoring the virtual mentor program, and scientists and technologists from around the Navy are participating.

Students will select a virtual mentor from a "rolodex" containing information about the potential mentors. The student will then contact the mentor via e-mail with a summary of their recent experiences.

Only one student per virtual mentor will be assigned in order to provide the student and mentor with the best opportunity to establish a meaningful relationship. Duration and extent of the relationship is determined by the mentor and student.

"I get a sense of self-fulfillment, knowing that I'm providing the same kind of service that was afforded to me," Knepshield said. "I also see issues from a different perspective - from a younger perspective - and that helps me be a better manager."

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please register on-line at http://resnavy.spawar.navy.mil/VirtualMentor/.

Mentoring information should be submitted by April 19. For more information about NAVAIR's participation, call Ann Weisser at 301-342-2228 or e-mail her at [email protected].