Our research vision

We are fortunate to do work we find meaningful. Our research focuses on chromosome biology and DNA repair in human cells, with implications for cancer, neurodegeneration, and other diseases.

We do curiosity-driven, mechanistic research. We want to understand how things work, not just that they work. To answer our questions, we draw on genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, imaging, and genomics. We are not afraid to learn a new technique, to use a new model system, to build a new tool if the question demands it. 

Our values

We believe a good team accomplishes more than the sum of its parts. We encourage sharing and collaboration within Anschutz, across the country, and worldwide. We value open access and make our materials freely available.

We are committed to developing each lab member into an independent scientist. We advocate for diversity and require inclusion; harassment is not tolerated.

Science is hard. We try not to make it harder, and we take time to enjoy the work and each other.

These are the conditions we try to create together. They depend on everyone holding up their end, including me.

What do I expect from you?

Own your project. Bring me problems and what you think we should do about them. Ask when you're stuck, but think first about what you'd try.

Keep me informed. If something goes wrong, I need to know. Mistakes happen; what matters is what we learn from them.

Be rigorous. Design experiments carefully, include controls and replicates, and keep a notebook someone else could pick up in five years.

Read the literature and talk to people. Good ideas come from everywhere.

Take care of the lab. Work safely, keep things clean, and share the responsibilities that keep it running.

What can you expect from me?

My goal is for everyone who comes through this lab to leave a better scientist than when they arrived. If you want to go into academia, industry, medicine, writing, or teaching, that's yours to decide. I'll help you get there.

I will set the scientific direction of the lab, and I'm always open to new ideas from trainees.

I will provide a safe, well-equipped work environment and take responsibility for funding salaries, supplies, and research expenses.

I will help you develop as a communicator, writing manuscripts and fellowship applications, and preparing for oral presentations.

I will be available to discuss your data, give feedback on your work, and support you scientifically and personally.