A Values-Led Mentorship: Backing a visiting scholar's future

Prof Kohyar Kiazad, 2026

Purpose

Supporting others to develop and thrive – especially people who have had fewer opportunities or face significant social barriers – is fundamental to Kohyar Kiazad's identity and purpose in life and work. When Marwa Shahzadi, a visiting PhD student from Pakistan, came to Monash Business School, Kohyar's goal was not to secure a publication or collaborative output. It was to focus on Marwa's development and help her achieve the goals she had set for her research visit.

Practice

Marwa wanted to develop a new research project under Kohyar's supervision and present her PhD work within the Department. Kohyar held weekly meetings with her, providing detailed feedback as the new project took shape, and used his research funds to support her data collection. Marwa became a member of the departmental research group and presented her PhD work in line with her objectives. Kohyar also connected her with other PhD students, helping her build relationships that could support future collaborative outputs and extend the value of the visit beyond one supervisory relationship.

Output

By the end of the visit, Marwa had developed a solid research project that she can present at conferences and build into a published manuscript – the fundamental goals she had set out to achieve. Reflecting on the experience, she wrote: “I am sincerely thankful for your time, support, and guidance throughout my research visit. Your mentorship has been truly meaningful to me, and I remain deeply grateful for your care and encouragement. I don't have words to express my gratitude but I will remember you throughout my life journey and in my prayers. I am truly grateful for your support and the generosity you have consistently shown throughout my research journey.”

Outcome and impact

Because the visit was recent, it is too early to assess its long-term outcomes. The immediate momentum is nevertheless meaningful: Marwa leaves with a stronger project, greater research capability, new academic connections and a pathway towards conference presentation and publication. Kohyar hopes the experience also demonstrates the value of supporting others without making personal gain the condition of mentorship – and that it encourages Marwa and colleagues to carry the same generosity forward in their own academic communities.