Expectations
Overall expectations¶
Take your work seriously. We cannot learn ourselves, or contribute to scientific knoweldge, if we half-ass our work and blow it off. A lot of the work we do is exciting, some is merely interesting, others are boring. But all can be learned from, and all are valuable contributions.
Be honest. If you messed something up, let me know. If you don’t like your project, let me know. If you have been stuck and can’t make progress, let me know. If you completed a task with LLMs but don’t know what it did, let me know. If you have an issue in the lab, let me know. I’m not very judgemental. I’m interested in keeping the lab running smoothly and for everyone to get something out of the experience. This is easiest if everyone is honest.
Handle mistakes gracefully. We all mess up, me especially so. The important thing is that we correct our mistakes, and learn from them. If you find a mistake in something you did, then document it, and message your collaborators and me.
Be kind. I strive this lab to be a comfortable environment that allows everyone to engage with and learn from one another. Show respect to your fellow lab mates. Being rude, insentive, or hostile will not be tolerated.
Be professional. All emails and messages should be written with care and with an eye for professional conduct.
Show up. Being present in the lab, and in-person during group meetings, is important. While I am ok with remote work (I’m certaintly not around every day), I want all members to strive to attend meetings and be around as much as possible. However, I don’t expect you (nor want you) to live at the lab. I do not expect work on weekends, holidays, or breaks.
Communicate. Don’t let problems fester. Don’t let problems go unsolved. Don’t neglect interesting ideas. One of the most important things you can do is communicate with me and your fellow lab-mates, sharing issues and ideas. This is essential to learning and growing during your time in the lab, and to keep the lab running smoothly.
Engage with university events. The lab is not an island, it sits in a college and university filled to the brim with interesting people doing cool work. I expect students to attend seminars, colloquiums, and other relevant research events on campus whenver possible, and doing so will count toward the hours worked.
Present your work. All members of the lab will be required to present their work during lab meetings. These are expected to be about 15 minute informal presentations, with ample time for discussion and questions.
Take care of the space. This is a communcal space where multiple people will be working. Do not leave it messy. Also be mindful of others around you, don’t play music without headphones, don’t distract others.
Take care of yourself. I’m not interested in working anyone to death. If you are sick, stay home. If there is dangerous weather, stay home. If you are struggling with your work, talk with me and lets make a plan.
Expectations for undergrads¶
Work on projects in the lab for 9 hours a week. At least half of this time (4 hours) should be in-person in the lab. Time spent in group or one-on-one meetings count towards the 9 hours, but not the 4.5 in the physica space. You will set and maintain a regular schedule.
All undergraduates will present their work as a poster at showcase. Posters should be drafted well ahead of the deadline to allow time to review and revision. Do not submit a poster without me signing off on it.
Document everything you do. Many undergraduates are only in the lab for a semester, and this turnover can mean that a lot of progress is lost. Keep detailed notes on everything you do. To receive a passing grade, I expect a detailed report that outlines your project, your methods, and your major findings, and links to all relevant resources (documents, data, repositories) so that another student can take over immediately.
Regular meetings. I aim to meet with undergraduate students every two weeks for 30 minutes. In alternative weeks, I expect the undergraduate student to meet with one of our graduate students for 30 minutes.
Expectations for Grad Students¶
Develop your independent research identity. This is a process! I don’t expect you to have everything planned out on your first day. In general, I expect students in my lab to work on a project I assign first. After that, we will work together to scope appropriate projects that align with both of our goals.
Prioritize research! coursework, TAing, and other things are important, but you are here to do research. Research is what gets you graduating, and what will get you a job. For funded students, I expect 20 hours a week on lab work.
Be in the lab. While I make exceptions, I don’t want students to be isolated from the lab space. I expect at least half of your time to be in-person in 260-O.
Make consistent progress. Research is often non-linear, some weeks you are stuck with nothing, and other weeks you move mountains. This is fine. But regardless, I expect you to at least attempt to make progress each week. If you are stuck, be honest about it and we can work out possible paths forward.
Mentor undergraduate students. Mentorship skills are essential for succeeding in academic, and taking a leading role in mentoring undergraduate students will develop these skills while also keeping the lab running smoothly.
Meet regularly. I will aim to meet with graduate students once every week for one hour.
Be an active member of the university community. Go to seminars, colloquiums, and engage with student clubs.
Present yourself well at every opportunity. Whether its visiting other labs, attending conferences, working with collaborators, or taking part in internships, you are acting as representatives of my lab and our college.
What to expect from me¶
Review your work. This is my biggest role as a PI. If you give me a paper, poster, or something else, I will do my best to review it quickly and offer feedback. Expect multiple rounds of revision for anything you prepare.
Be available. Whether its over email, slack, or in-person, I aim to answer your questions and give you what you need to succeed.
Give career advice. I can’t say my advice is perfect, but I’ve been through a few different hiring processes and know a bit about different types of careers. I can give my personal perspectives on your career and how to best reach your goals.
Support your career. I can make introductions, reach out to colleagues, and otherwise find ways to connect you with industry or academia. I can write recommendation letters, and promote you on social media.