UA Alum Dr. Taylor Foerster: Empowering Future Academics Using Grad CAFE Experiences
The 2023-2024 Grad CAFE Cohort at a graduation celebration for Dr. Foerster and a fellow graduate.
Dr. Taylor Foerster, now an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Communication at Oregon State University, developed a robust foundation in research and teaching during her time at the University of Arizona. As a PhD student in the Department of Communication, Dr. Foerster conducted interdisciplinary research that examined psychological predictors and communication theory in the context of environmental and health communication —key areas that continue to shape her academic career today. Her experience teaching undergraduate courses in communication also honed her mentorship style, equipping her with skills she now applies in supporting the next generation of students.
Dr. Foerster attributes much of her growth and preparation for the academic job market to the University of Arizona’s Grad CAFE (Graduate Communities for Academic Fellowship and Efficacy) program. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how this initiative complemented her research and teaching, provided critical community support, and equipped her with mentorship strategies that remain central to her role as a faculty member.
The Grad CAFE Experience: Building Mentorship and Community
Dr. Taylor Foerster
For Dr. Foerster, Grad CAFE offered an invaluable space to explore and refine her approach to mentorship. “Grad CAFE allowed me to reflect deeply on mentorship and my role as a mentor. It provided hands-on mentorship opportunities that enriched my understanding of how to support others effectively,” she noted. As a graduate student, she had already taken on mentorship roles through teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Grad CAFE, however, elevated her perspective by exposing her to diverse challenges and experiences shared by peers in the program.
This environment, she explained, helped her become a more inclusive mentor with a heightened ability to anticipate and address challenges faced by others. “The program cultivated my skills in perspective-taking and prepared me to support students and colleagues in ways I hadn’t previously considered,” she said.
Beyond helping her cultivate her own mentorship skills, Grad CAFE created a sense of community for Dr. Foerster that she described as transformative. She recalled how the program’s organizers and participants provided her with valuable mentorship and supported her through the rigorous academic job market. “Having people check in, cheer me on, and celebrate milestones like getting my faculty offer was amazing. Dr. Atkins and Dr. Marrone even brought cookies to celebrate with me. It was such a warm and uplifting experience,” she shared. The mentorship she had the opportunity to receive from program directors Dr. Celeste Atkins and Dr. Nicole Marrone, as well as fellow participants, allowed her to learn from example and feel firsthand the impact effective and meaningful mentorship can have on students.
Integrating Grad CAFE with Graduate School
While Grad CAFE became part of her journey in her fourth year of graduate school, its impact was immediate. “The program’s focus on research, teaching, and service complemented my graduate training perfectly,” Dr. Foerster explained. Weekly meetings became a space for debriefing, celebrating small victories, and sharing struggles. “Whether it was a great week or a tough one, Grad CAFE provided a safe and supportive environment to process everything,” she said.
Through Grad CAFE, Dr. Foerster also gained tangible skills that strengthened her academic profile. From adding guest lectures she gave in Grad CAFE to her CV to practicing responses to interview questions, the program helped her feel more prepared for faculty interviews. One-on-one preparation for interviews from Dr. Atkins, for instance, directly contributed to her sense of confidence going into the interviews.
The Lasting Impact of Grad CAFE
Dr. Foerster as a student during a Grad CAFE event.
Now in a faculty role, Dr. Foerster continues to see the ripple effects of her Grad CAFE experience. She emphasizes the importance of programs like Grad CAFE in fostering sustainable mentorship practices and creating a culture of support within academia. “Programs like Grad CAFE don’t just support students; they empower future academics to build inclusive and thoughtful communities,” she said.
In her current position, Dr. Foerster strives to model mindful mentorship and work-life balance—values she focused on in Grad CAFE. “I’m mindful of many struggles students face and aim to provide the support they need to succeed without unnecessary challenges,” she explained. This philosophy aligns with her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.
In recognition of the program’s impact, Dr. Foerster is hoping to implement a mentorship and community-building initiative inspired by Grad CAFE at Oregon State University.
A Holistic Journey of Growth and Advocacy
Reflecting on her graduate school experience, Dr. Foerster acknowledges the personal growth that came with prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries. “In my early years of graduate school, I struggled with imposter syndrome and burnout. I wish I had prioritized myself more and understood that setting boundaries doesn’t diminish professionalism,” she shared. Over time, she embraced self-care as an essential component of academic success and worked to integrate those lessons into her life and career. Dr. Foerster now encourages students to view their well-being as a foundational element of their success. In reciting the advice of a friend, she advised graduate students that “your time and well-being are your greatest resources,” emphasizing that making self-care non-negotiable and cultivating a healthy balance can lead to more fulfilling and impactful work.
Dr. Foerster presenting at the University of Arizona.
Advice for Graduate Students: Building Community and Balance
When asked for advice for students in their final years of graduate school, Dr. Foerster returned to the importance of community and self-care. “Programs like Grad CAFE remind us that we’re not alone and provide a space to share challenges and celebrate successes,” she said. “Take advantage of these opportunities, lean into the community around you, and remember to care for yourself—you deserve it.”
Dr. Foerster’s journey underscores the transformative power of programs like Grad CAFE. From equipping her with mentorship skills to shaping her advocacy for inclusivity and self-care, her story highlights the profound and lasting impact such initiatives can have. Now, as she steps into her career, Dr. Foerster continues to champion the principles of community, support, and balance for the next generation of academics.
To learn more about Grad CAFE, please visit the Grad CAFE website.