What It's Like in Our Lab

I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors in my career from whom I have learned a great deal. Know that mentoring is important to me—both for myself and for you. Here are some expectations so that we’re both on the same page:

My responsibilities as an advisor:

• • Collaborate on project design and development to build something tractable but support student ownership of the research

  • Discuss future goals and provide professional development and networking opportunities appropriate for your goals

  • Meet one-on-one regularly to discuss research progress and hurdles

  • Make every attempt to ensure financial support throughout your graduate program

  • Listen to concerns and feedback and be empathetic during difficult times

My expectations for students working with me:

• • Be eager to learn, collaborate, and expand your skill set and knowledge base

  • Be an active member of the community (attend department seminars and lab group meetings)

  • Work hard, but not to your own detriment

  • Be a team player in the lab and department, ask for and provide support for each other's research—get to know peers in other labs, you can learn from each other

  • Be rigorous, ethical, and serious about the quality of your science

  • Work on your communication; if writing is a challenge, get help from college resources before you're under pressure to complete your thesis

  • Listen to my concerns and feedback, and be understanding of the fact that I, too, will have difficult times

  • Complete a thorough project of publication quality in a timely manner, with organized data and code

I would encourage potential lab members to reach out to undergraduate and graduate students in the lab to better understand the types of projects and lab environment from a student's perspective.