Creating a Healthy Research Environment
Creating and maintaining a healthy research environment where everyone can do their best and grow in the ways they want to grow is one of the most important things I can do as a PI.
What does that mean for members of this lab?
The short version:
1. Be respectful and supportive!
2. Be excited about your science!
3. Find YOUR path!
(More about these below)
I place value on everyone in the lab growing in the directions they want to grow within their individualized degree program. This means that there is not one path and that I expect student to work with me to figure out what their path is. While this can be somewhat scary in that there is not a defined path for the students to follow, in the long run I hope it means that everyone that moves on from the lab has a better understanding of where they want to go with their lives and careers.
What does that mean for members of this lab?
The short version:
1. Be respectful and supportive!
2. Be excited about your science!
3. Find YOUR path!
(More about these below)
I place value on everyone in the lab growing in the directions they want to grow within their individualized degree program. This means that there is not one path and that I expect student to work with me to figure out what their path is. While this can be somewhat scary in that there is not a defined path for the students to follow, in the long run I hope it means that everyone that moves on from the lab has a better understanding of where they want to go with their lives and careers.
A Respectful Environment
- The work environment should be one where everyone is treated with respect.
- I value and support a diverse workplace and I expect everyone else in the lab to do the same.
- There is no place for bigotry, abuse, or harassment.
- While criticism is inherent to science, it should be done in a constructive and respectful way. I expect everyone to strive towards this goal.
- We all make mistakes. Calling out or admitting mistakes is necessary for us to grow as scientists (and people). I expect everyone (including myself) to admit mistakes and learn from them.
Your Science and Your Path
Research (regardless of career stage) is an interesting combination of collaboration and independent work. A fundamental component of a successful research project is excitement about the research you are doing. Finding that project that is going to excite you as a scientist is of primary importance for a successful Ph.D., M.S., or undergraduate research project. I will strive to help you find that project.
There is not one path towards a career in the sciences, and there are a wide variety of potential career options depending on your personal and professional goals. It is important that lab members work with me to establish what path is right for you, and then we can figure out how to get there.
There is not one path towards a career in the sciences, and there are a wide variety of potential career options depending on your personal and professional goals. It is important that lab members work with me to establish what path is right for you, and then we can figure out how to get there.