Lab philosophy & culture

A few words on our guiding principles

Science

  • Science starts with controls. Rigorous experimental design and ethical conduct are key to any scientific endeavor and are indispensable in our lab.

  • Our scientific interests are highly interdisciplinary so we frequently collaborate, both within the lab and across the department(s).

  • We value open-access science and will strive to share our findings/expertise with the field across venues and platforms.

  • We value clear and transparent communication of science. We constantly explore better ways to convey our findings.

  • We value creativity, lateral thinking and tinkering.

Mentoring

  • My primary focus as a mentor is to train next-generation scientists who will make a positive impact in the community through thoughtful, rigorous, ethical and highly original science.

  • Your scientific journey can lead you further in or out of academia. Either is great! I will help you see through to whatever career path is ahead of you.

  • We value clear channels of communication that go both ways. Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to mentoring. Tell me what’s working and what’s not.

  • We value grantsmanship. This is an integral part of the academic training and is your bread and butter if you one day want to run your own lab. All trainees who are eligible for fellowships/grants will be strongly encouraged to apply.

Lab culture

  • Diversity, equity and respect stand tall in our lab. Our team welcomes passionate scientists from all backgrounds. We have zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior in any shape, way or form.

  • Outreach is important. Whenever possible, we will communicate what we do, how and why we do it with the community locally and at large.

  • Academia left unchecked is tough on mental health. I will seek to put safeguards in place to make sure you do the work you most enjoy and do it with passion without burning out, getting sidelined or losing interest.

  • At the same time, i expect you to show up, explore, take initiative, follow the lab policies, and take care of yourself and others in the lab.

“The only fertile research is excavatory, immersive, a contraction of the spirit, a descent.
The [artist] is active, but negatively, shrinking from the nullity of extracircumferential phenomena, drawn to the core of the eddy.”
Samuel Beckett