Mentoring Philosophy

My goal as a mentor is to advance the educational and personal growth of all lab members to make a positive impact on the well-being of all people through science. I believe this is best achieved through learning and applying scientific method to design, execute, and evaluate experiments through team-based collaboration. The lab is built on relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Each of us brings a unique perspective whether this is your first lab experience, or you have significant research experience. Working with people of diverse backgrounds creates a vibrant community that not only sharpens our scientific talents but is fun!

What do I expect from the lab team?

I expect team members to bring their very best attitude and motivation to the lab. Open lines of communication are key to your success. Therefore, I expect lab members to ask questions, speak up if you are encountering problems, and follow lab protocols and safety regulations. There are seasons in research that are challenging – approach these times with humility to plan smarter experiments and let others help you. Other seasons are flourishing and the success of one member is a success for the entire lab. Let your curiosity shine and pipe up if you have new ideas for approaching a problem! Finally, I expect members to uphold good time management, consistent documentation of experiments, and be generous with your time to help a fellow lab member.

What can you expect of me?

As your mentor, you can expect that I will respect each member’s individuality, learning style, and career goals. I will listen to your needs, provide honest and constructive feedback, nurture self-sufficiency and resilience, and take a personal interest in helping you develop into a successful professional. I will provide resources (financial and professional) to create an environment that allows you freedom to pursue what you are passionate about most. I will encourage strategic thinking and creativity to push your research to the next level. Finally, I will give you moral support and have an open door to be available to discuss any matter of importance to you.