How Our Lab Works
Goals and Expectations
What You Shall Strive to Achieve:
- Dive deeply into the latest research trends and methodologies to stay at the forefront of our field.
- Build a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects relevant to our research.
- Aim to pass the Qualifying Exam showcasing significant progress.
- Develop and present a compelling thesis that effectively communicates your major discoveries.
Research Quality and Integrity:
- We prioritize the quality of research over the quantity of publications. Exceptional researchers may have fewer publications, focusing instead on depth and significance.
- I will provide thorough support throughout your journey, from developing ideas to sharing your findings, while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.
- Progression through milestones like the Qualifying Exam and thesis defense will reflect your true capabilities and readiness.
Support Available:
- Expect weekly 30-minute one-on-one meetings for detailed discussions and personalized support. These sessions are collaborative; think of me more as a senior colleague than a supervisor.
- Access expert networks for collaboration and advice, especially when facing challenges outside my direct expertise.
- Receive guidance on publication and presentation opportunities to boost your visibility and impact.
Detailed Protocols
Writing Research Papers:
- Receive detailed guidance while drafting your first paper to learn the academic writing norms specific to our field.
- For subsequent papers, take the lead in drafting, using the skills you’ve developed to independently articulate your research.
- Continuous feedback will be provided to ensure your work meets our community’s standards.
Flexible Working Hours:
- Your hours are flexible, with the expectation that you:
- Meet all deadlines and remain productive.
- Attend all required meetings unless excused.
- Communicate openly about your schedule and availability.
Regular Lab Meetings:
- Attend mandatory biweekly seminars on Friday afternoons, where each member presents research from top-tier conferences.
- Presenters rotate, ensuring everyone gains experience in leading scholarly discussions.
- Use these sessions to update the group on your projects and gather feedback.
Grant Proposal Opportunities:
- You may be invited to help draft grant proposals if the topics align closely with your research. This is voluntary.
- Such involvement can significantly enhance your understanding of funding mechanisms and the broader research impact.
- The decision to participate will always respect your current commitments and research focus.
Work-Life Balance
- Although I often work long hours, I encourage you to find a balance that suits your well-being and productivity.
- Participate in activities like sports; if you’re into swimming, let’s go together to break the monotony of desk work.
- It’s vital to occasionally disconnect from work to maintain energy and creativity.
Effective Communication
- We actively use Slack for daily interactions, staying connected on updates, and quick questions.
- Stay responsive on Slack during work hours to keep abreast of lab happenings.
- Slack also facilitates informal chats and sharing of interesting finds, keeping our lab atmosphere dynamic.
Task Management with Asana
- We use Asana to keep track of deadlines, responsibilities, and project progress.
- Regularly update your tasks in Asana to maintain transparency and foster effective lab management.
- Asana helps set priorities and organize our efforts, making our research operations smooth and coordinated.