Our Lab Culture

Our lab is built on a foundation of collaboration, curiosity, and mutual respect. We believe that scientific progress happens most effectively when people support one another, share ideas openly and acknowledge each other’s achievements. Each member contributes their own expertise and technical strengths, and we approach research questions from multiple angles to achieve stronger and more thoughtful results. We meet weekly for the group meetings where we discuss the progress and potential road blocks, as well as share the new exciting ideas and highlight interesting recent publications.

We believe that strong science grows from strong teamwork. So we make space for time together — whether we’re grabbing coffee, sharing a meal or exploring nearby places like the Kennedy Space Center. These shared experiences help us feel connected, supported, and energized in our work. They remind us that research is not only about the destination such as getting a PhD or publishing a paper, but also about the path and all the wonderful people we share it with.

Science is for Everyone

We believe that science is something everyone can take part in. Curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to learn are the drivers of the progress in the lab. Growth comes from trying new techniques, practicing, and developing confidence through experience. We support each other through mentorship, constructive feedback, and shared problem-solving. We welcome people who are excited to explore ideas, ask questions, and grow through this process. Everyone starts somewhere, and we grow by learning together.

Mistakes Help Us Grow

In our lab, mistakes are seen as essential part of learning. When something doesn’t go as planned, we use it to understand the system better and adjust our approach. Progress in science comes from iteration and reflection. We discuss challenges openly, troubleshoot together, and support one another in improving our methods. This mindset helps us build resilience, deepen our understanding, and move forward with confidence. Fail fast, fail quickly and fail forward.

Safety Starts with Us

Safe practices are central to how we work. We maintain clean and well-organized lab spaces, communicate clearly, and take the time to learn procedures carefully. When we prioritize safety, we protect each other, build trust, and create an environment where curiosity and experimentation can thrive. We encourage asking questions early and often, and we support one another in learning new techniques the right way. By treating safety as a shared responsibility, we create a lab environment where everyone can work confidently and with peace of mind.

Support to Boost Your Career

Mentorship is an integral part of how we work. We hold regular one-on-one meetings with students and postdocs to discuss research progress, clarify challenges, and provide support where needed. In addition, we revisit individual goals on a quarterly basis using individual development plans, ensuring that each member has a clear path for growth and the tools to move forward confidently. Our aim is to help every member develop both scientific skills and independent thinking, while feeling supported throughout their journey. We work together to help each member move toward the career they envision.

Build Spinouts

We value both fundamental discovery and the opportunity to translate research into real-world technologies when the time is right. We view translation as a natural extension of scientific discovery and collaborate across UCF to bring promising technologies to application. As our technologies mature, we protect the intellectual property through patents and pursue commercialization pathways, including forming spinout companies when appropriate. We work closely with UCF’s entrepreneurship programs and initiatives, as well as the Technology Transfer Office, to support this process. These efforts also provide students and postdocs with firsthand experience in innovation, intellectual property, and startup formation.

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