Lab Philosophy and Values
Lab Philosophy and Values
We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive lab environment where every individual (regardless of their training level) has an equal voice, is supported, and feels open to be themselves such that they can thrive in their academic and professional endeavors. We value the physical and mental well-being of all members of the group and cultivate an environment that promotes well-being. We are highly collaborative, working together with others in the group and with collaborators around the world without bounds. We strive to create a welcoming environment where we can celebrate and learn from each other's unique background, promote cross-cultural understanding, and facilitate creative scientific discussions. We encourage creative thinking and problem solving to shift the paradigm of current research dogmas.
Inspiration is drawn from the following quotes:
"Educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations" - Senator J. William Fulbright
"If I am an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food. It's a plus for everybody." - Anthony Bourdain
Our values
Mental health +
well-being
Diversity
Inclusion
Family
Rigorous science
Creativity and thinking outside of the box
Global outreach endeavors
Reach the World K-12 Program
Digital Media/Educational Storytelling
Journey 1 (2018)
Kindergarten class (Harry E. James Elementary School - Hopewell, Virginia)
Journey 2 (2022)
Two first-grade classes (Public School 120 - Brooklyn, New York)
-Weekly journal entries teaching students and exposing them to the culture of Poland - students come from predominantly underrepresented backgrounds
-The goal is to inspire and expose students from underrepresented backgrounds to the advantages of international education
Fulbright application blog
I created a blog where I detail the Fulbright application process and provide examples of application materials. Check it out: howtoapplyforfulbright.wordpress.com/blog/
The goal is to inspire more graduate and undergraduate STEM students to pursue international research endeavors and serve as a cultural ambassador during their scientific training.
EducationUSA
Volunteer Consultant at EducationUSA (Warsaw, Poland; US Dept. of State): 2018-2019
-I served as a volunteer with EducationUSA offering weekly consultations with Polish students that aimed to pursue studies in the United States
-I guided them through the process of applying to universities in the United States and to identify scholarships to help finance their studies
-Many of these students came from disadvantaged background
-I strive to encourage and assist more international students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue education in the United States
Women in STEM Poland Short Essay Contest
Judge/panelist in 2024 Women in STEM Poland Short Essay Contest where high school, university, and graduate students in Poland wrote short essays about a woman in STEM.