For Graduate Students

In addition to the expectations for everyone, you should:

• Develop your dissertation research. Your dissertation should ideally have at least 3 substantial components that answer a big-picture question that you have. You are responsible for completing the work, but remember that others in the lab (like me!) are there to help you when you need it.

• Help mentor undergraduate students in the lab. As your research progresses, you will be expected to work with undergraduate students to achieve your experimental objectives, including identifying portions of your work that can be delegated. This can be a highly rewarding experience and help you exercise some key mental muscles that are needed as your career progresses.

Hint: Look in classes where you TA for good undergraduate students (if you TA undergraduate courses, of course!) and refer them to me. You will already have a sense of their interests and motivations and they will likely be productive lab members!

• Apply for fellowships and grants (NIH F31s, Departmental Training Grants, etc). Even if you don't get funded, grant writing is a good opportunity to formalize your research ideas and solicit feedback.

• Actively participate in lab functions and seek out opportunities to collaborate.

• Challenge me. As you become more involved in your project, eventually your understanding of its ins and outs will surpass my own. If you have a different perspective on something, speak up!

• Think about what you want for your career and talk with me. No matter where you want to go (academia - research or teaching, industry, scientific communication, something else), talk to me about it so we can make sure you are getting the training you need for your career.

• Represent the lab. You are now an ambassador for the lab as well as a member. Our reputation will be partially formed by how you interact with your colleagues. Treat them with respect and integrity.