Lab Values

Doing research is a constant process of learning, and we recognize that there will be challenging times, as well as times of joy. Biology  tends to humble us, and we always keep an open mind so we are ready to learn unexpected things. Highly qualified personnel that work on my lab will have different goals and different mentoring needs.  My goal is to provide the support so all my HQP can grow in their  knowledge, scientific skills, independence, and confidence, in order to reach their individual goals. I see mentoring as the most important and impactful part of my job as a professor, and I know that I will evolve and grow as a mentor by learning from the HQP in my lab. Therefore, I am responsive to feedback in order to foster the best possible training environment for a diverse set of HQP. 

We recognize that there are often perceived incentives to get the biggest, most exciting results in science, regardless of the actual underlying biology. In our lab, we will celebrate every experiment that gives us a result, regardless of the perceived impact. We will ensure each HQP takes away a sense of success, even if our most exciting hypotheses turn out to not be supported. We will inspect every aspect of our data, and not ignore hints that our interpretation may not be the correct one. As scientists, we have the responsibility to uncover the true nature of the processes we are studying and disseminate these results. We also have the responsibility to accurately represent our data, and share our data with others. I will provide guidance to my HQP in how to collect their data to minimize bias, and how to document results that we may need to come back to. I will support my HQP to work rigorously to obtain high quality data and be stubborn enough to stay focused and persevere, but be flexible enough to shift the interpretation or the focus of the project if the data suggests it. 

The goal of scientific training through research is to advance a research program while at the same time advancing the goals and career of HQP in training (e.g. undergraduate, Masters, PhD students, and Postdocs). In order to keep these two goals aligned, honesty and communication - from both sides (the professor/PI and student), is vital. I will be transparent about my objectives related to each project, and I expect my HQP to communicate updates on the projects and also to let me know if  their goals may be shifting. Furthermore, I will clearly communicate expectations for working in the lab  to each HQP, in addition to what they can expect from me, at the beginning of their time with me and revisit periodically.

We aim to foster an inclusive environment for all out HQP. We recognize that different people may need different support in order to be successful. The academic environment is sometimes an isolating one, especially for those from minoritized and first-generation (immigrant or university education) backgrounds. In my lab, we will ensure that each HQP feels valued and make clear that each person's contributions have helped advance the goals of the lab as a whole in addition to others' projects. I will also share resources to encourage HQP to access supports outside of the lab, and support trainees taking time for themselves. I will model a healthy work-life balance, and emphasize that success can take many different forms. I will not favour students that remind me more of myself; but will focus on advancing each HQP's individual development goals. I will listen to every HQP's concerns, and intervene if any of my HQP are being treated contrary our values.