Do not be afraid to ask questions. Realizing that you do not know something is a normal part of learning and research. In reality, a lot of what it takes to succeed in research is part of a “hidden curriculum” (unwritten rules, norms, and expectations that aren’t taught in any class but are often assumed to be common knowledge). Jessica McCrory Calarco’s A Field Guide to Grad School is a great resource on this. Also, our field moves fast, so asking questions early can help you catch problems sooner, learn from mistakes faster, and adapt more smoothly. No one has all the answers, and we are always happy to work through the question and figure it out together.

Care about the people and yourself. Our work is meaningful because of the people it serves. The goal is not to use technology for its own sake, but to find the appropriate tools and methods, iterate, and discover what helps you answer meaningful questions and create something that matters. Meanwhile, take care of yourself as a human being. Research comes with ups and downs (sometimes more downs than ups). Make time to eat, sleep, rest, and recharge so you can keep moving forward.

Check in regularly and stay engaged with the lab. We hold weekly lab meetings (except during holidays of course) where everyone is encouraged to share progress, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Staying engaged helps you keep up with what’s happening, learn from setbacks, get support when you need it, and contribute to a collaborative lab.

Your goals are our goals. People come to research with different aspirations (academic, personal, and career-related). Let yourself be the one who defines what success means. Our goal is to help you discover the path that works for you and build the skills, experiences, and opportunities you need to create the life you want.

Constructive feedback is a tool for growth. Every round of comments, whether on a draft, a talk, or an experiment, is a chance to learn and come back stronger next time. Sometimes, when you’re deeply immersed in a project, it’s easy to overlook things that someone with a fresh perspective can spot. Every lab member brings a valuable perspective, and we value that input equally. Give feedback with care, and receive it with an open mind.