Students in the Lab
I was deeply committed to supporting undergraduate research efforts in my laboratory. I strongly encouraged my students to develop their own research problems, approaches and expertise.
Research at the undergraduate level allowed our undergraduate students to take a critical step at a point when they are learning and mastering the fundamentals of a specific discipline. It encouraged them to apply their knowledge and to think beyond their normal intellectual scope. More importantly, it transformed them from “students” into “scholars".
The long term goal was to give students the tools to be scientists and thinkers in whatever field they choose. In a day and age where facts and truth are under constant scrutiny, it is important for students to apply critical and objective thinking not just to their careers but to every aspect of their lives. Thus, students were often engaged in their own research pursuits, designed their own research projects (see examples on oxidative stress or neuroblastoma research), and co-authored primary literature manuscripts or presented their work at international conferences.
I believe that learning is never restricted to the classroom or to the laboratory. Interaction with students outside the classroom in a variety of activities is very important. Thus, I engaged students in activities that went beyond the standard classroom interaction, especially research, mentorship, and social activities. Lab should be fun!
