What Faculty Expect From Entry Level Lab Workers

• Students usually will, at first, pair up with a more senior person in the lab to learn techniques, and then become more independent as time goes on.
• Faculty like students who come up with their own ideas for projects.
• Don't worry if you are in a "plant lab" or an "animal lab." You can learn basics in any lab.
• Students should show an interest in the work of the lab.
• Research can be slow-you need a good dose of patience!
• Students should be willing to make mistakes. Mistakes are how you learn.
• Keep to your time schedule.
• Call if you can't come in. Make sure to talk to a person. don't just leave a message.
• Emergencies are legitimate-if there is a problem, let your mentor know.
• Don't come late without telling your mentor (or supervisor) first.
• Ask questions.
• Get to know people in your lab.
• Talk with your mentor! Communication is key to a good experience
• Students should attend weekly lab meetings, ask questions, and participate.
• You need to "want to be there" and be willing to talk to other people.
• It's hard to predict when there will be slow times.
• The basics (i.e. washing dishes, making solutions, etc.) are really important. if it isn't done right, it can really mess things up in the lab.
• If you have your own project, it is hard to make progress on your project if you work less than 10 hrs/wk.
• Mentors want to know all the things that went wrong and what went right.
• When there is downtime:
• Talk to grad students
• Read about the research
• Do NOT do Internet!
• Successful research takes a level of concentration that you may not be accustomed to. Therefore, be prepared to give your full attention to your work and you will be rewarded accordingly.