Welcome to the Lab!

Our lab is dedicated to understanding how ecological communities change across space and time, using rigorous science to inform and improve management and conservation decisions. We encourage a diversity of backgrounds, approaches, and thoughts, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive research environment. Above all else, do good science and be kind.

My Thoughts on Lab Expectations:

Be Part of the Team

• Collaboration and Engagement: I value teamwork and expect all lab members to be engaged, enthusiastic, and active participants in our community. This includes taking part in lab meetings, helping others with analyses or fieldwork, participating in lab activities, and assisting with project management. Valuing and respecting each other’s time and skills is crucial to being an integral member of the lab.
• Science Communication: Sharing knowledge with diverse audiences is a priority. Participate in our outreach events to inspire others and improve public understanding of environmental science.
• Community Participation: Be an active participant in our academic community, including attending departmental events, serving on committees, and contributing to the lab's collective goals.

Be Productive and Meet Objectives

• Quality over Quantity: Graduate school is a full-time job, but productivity is about working well, not just working more. Balancing work with life outside the lab is important, but productivity levels must meet the expectations of graduate research. If not, we will work together to develop a plan for improvement.
• Timely Goals: I will clearly communicate objectives related to research progress, teaching, publishing, and data collection. Meeting these objectives on time is critical. If challenges arise, communicate early so we can adjust expectations as needed.
• Finish on Time: I expect MS students to finish in around 2-2.5 years. There may be exceptions to this, but these should be rare, and should be discussed well in advance. My role as academic guide is to help students through the program and help design projects that are feasible within the time limits mentioned; the students are also responsible for trying to reach these deadlines and communicating when they cannot. I am a strong believer in avoiding ‘extended’ graduate programs: it is seldom a good idea.

Communicate Effectively

• Regular Updates: Communication is essential. Keep me informed about project development and any concerns regarding your work or schedule. Proactive communication prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
• Timely Responses: Respond to emails and requests in a timely manner, typically within 48 hours for simple matters (excluding weekends). Note that while I may send emails outside regular hours, immediate responses are not expected.

Develop and Manage Your Research

• Project Ownership: Developing research questions is a key part of your role. I expect you to take ownership of your projects, with guidance and input from me. Together, we will set objectives and timelines, but you are responsible for planning and achieving these goals.
• Organization: Being organized is crucial for effective time management and success. Come to meetings prepared, with relevant documents and questions ready.

Be Responsible for Data

• Data Management: I expect all lab members to have strong data management procedures and to generate reproducible results. Regular data backups are essential. All data files and associated code must be well organized and shared with me before leaving the lab. Additionally, I expect that data and code associated with publications will be archived on a suitable data repository.

Engage Beyond Academia

• Real-World Impact: Our research has real-world applications, requiring collaboration with managers, stakeholders, and citizens from the early stages. Respect and incorporate their expertise, and be open to feedback on your research.

Publish and Share Your Science

• Publishing: I expect all thesis chapters to be published in peer-reviewed journals. Ideally, some publications should be submitted before you graduate. Publishing is a crucial part of your scientific development and our lab’s contribution to the field.
• Presenting: Take advantage of opportunities to present your work at conferences and focus on developing effective communication skills for both scientific and public audiences.

Be Independent and Responsible

• Independence: While I am here to mentor and guide, I expect you to work independently. Regular meetings will be set up, but I will not micromanage. Part of your independence involves identifying when you need help and communicating those needs clearly.
• Program Responsibility: Stay informed about program requirements, deadlines, and coursework. While I’m aware of many deadlines, you are responsible for meeting them and communicating any issues in advance.

Collaborate and Mentor

• Lab Collaboration: I model a collaborative research approach, and I expect lab members to share their work with each other. Senior members are encouraged to mentor juniors, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Read Broadly and Deeply

• Stay Informed: Reading is essential to becoming a better scientist. I expect you to stay current with the literature related to your project as well as broader scientific developments. We will read papers together as a lab to expand our collective knowledge and discuss recent advancements in the field.

Be Creative, Take Risks, and Have Fun

• Creative Science: Graduate school and post-doctoral positions are times for creativity and risk-taking. I aim to create an environment where you feel comfortable exploring new ideas and approaches, and where we can enjoy both our work and time spent together outside of it.

Ethical Conduct and Safety

• Integrity and Safety: Conduct your research with integrity, adhering to all ethical guidelines and safety protocols. Your work should be transparent, reproducible, and ethically sound.

Adapted from Dr. Julian Olden.