The purpose of this document is to articulate the values, expectations, and principles that guide how we conduct science and how we treat one another.

Vision

To discover the molecular principles that govern RNA organization and gene regulation inside living bacteria cells.
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We aim to understand biology at the level of individual molecules while developing new approaches that make previously invisible molecular processes observable and measurable.

Mission

To do rigorous, creative, and quantitative science while building a lab culture in which people can learn, contribute, take intellectual risks, and grow as scientists. 

We pursue ambitious scientific questions through collaboration across RNA biology, microbiology, biophysics, microscopy, quantitative analysis, and technology development.

Our Values

​Scientific integrity comes first
We conduct research honestly, carefully, and transparently.
We never fabricate, falsify, selectively manipulate, or intentionally misrepresent data. Unexpected results are still results. Experiments that do not support our hypotheses can be scientifically valuable.
We maintain complete and accurate research records and make our analyses reproducible whenever possible.
Everyone in the laboratory is expected to follow applicable University of Maryland policies concerning research integrity, academic conduct, safety, and professional behavior.

Curiosity drives our science
We encourage people to ask questions.
Questions are not evidence that someone does not belong in science. Asking why something works, challenging an assumption, or admitting that we do not understand something is often where good science begins.
We value thoughtful questions regardless of whether they come from an undergraduate student, graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, collaborator, or principal investigator.
Scientific ideas should be evaluated based on their reasoning and evidence, not the seniority of the person presenting them.

We value rigor over a particular outcome
Our goal is not to obtain the result we hoped for. Our goal is to determine what is true as carefully as we can.
We design appropriate controls, question our assumptions, examine alternative explanations, and distinguish observations from interpretations.
When something looks unusually exciting, we become more careful, not less.

We give and receive feedback generously
Constructive criticism is essential to science.
Members of the lab should feel comfortable questioning an interpretation, suggesting an alternative experiment, identifying a problem in an analysis, or disagreeing with the PI.
At the same time, criticism should focus on the work or idea, not the person.
We aim to give feedback that is specific, respectful, and useful. We also recognize that receiving criticism can be uncomfortable and work to distinguish criticism of our science from criticism of ourselves.

We treat one another with respect
Every person in the laboratory deserves to be treated with dignity and professionalism.
We value differences in scientific background, expertise, experience, communication style, and perspective.
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, or demeaning behavior have no place in the lab.
We do not confuse scientific intensity with disrespect.

We believe excellent science should be sustainable
Research can occasionally require unusual hours because of experiments, instrument availability, deadlines, or biological systems. However, consistently working excessive hours should not be considered a requirement for demonstrating commitment.
People need time away from the laboratory.
Vacation, rest, family responsibilities, medical appointments, and life outside of science are normal.
What matters is that lab members make consistent progress, communicate responsibly, meet their commitments, and contribute to the group.

Mentorship

​The PI commits to:

• Providing scientific guidance while allowing trainees increasing intellectual independence.
• Meeting regularly with trainees and providing meaningful feedback.
• Helping each lab member establish short-term and long-term goals.
• Providing feedback on manuscripts, presentations, fellowship applications, and other professional materials within a reasonable timeframe.
• Helping trainees identify opportunities appropriate for their career goals.
• Advocating for lab members and recognizing their accomplishments.
• Clearly communicating expectations when something needs to improve.
• Creating opportunities for trainees to develop as scientists, communicators, mentors, and leaders.
• Remaining open to feedback about the laboratory and about his own mentorship.

Lab members commit to:

• Taking increasing ownership of their research.
• Coming prepared to individual meetings and research discussions.
• Keeping research records organized and current.
• Reading the literature relevant to their projects.
• Seeking feedback and acting thoughtfully on it.
• Communicating when they are stuck rather than remaining stuck indefinitely.
• Discussing important changes in experimental direction before investing substantial time or resources.
• Helping maintain shared laboratory spaces, equipment, reagents, and computational resources.
• Supporting the training of newer members as their own expertise develops.
• Thinking actively about their scientific and professional development.

What We Want Our Lab to Be

1. We want a laboratory where people are excited to come up with ideas.
2. Where a  student can disagree with the PI.
3. Where someone can say, “I don't understand this,” without embarrassment.
4. Where unexpected results generate curiosity rather than blame.
5. Where people celebrate one another's successes.
6. Where rigorous quantitative science and ambitious biological questions coexist.
7. Where people leave not only with publications and technical expertise, but as more independent, thoughtful, confident, and generous scientists.
8. Above all, we want to build a laboratory in which excellent science and an excellent scientific culture reinforce one another.