Our Philosophy

We foster an intellectually rigorous and supportive environment for scientists who are driven to ask bold questions and take ownership of their work. Our lab culture values initiative, persistence, and deep curiosity, qualities that fuel meaningful discovery in neurobiology and genomics. Compassion, respect, and collegiality shape how we work together, creating a community where individuals are empowered to take intellectual risks, think independently, and grow into confident and responsible scientific thinkers.

Scientific Training

Our lab is not only a place to conduct experiments, but a place to develop scientific independence. We emphasize curiosity, deep engagement with the literature, and thoughtful questioning. Lab members are expected to take ownership of their projects, propose new directions, and help shape the scientific trajectory of their work and the lab as a whole.

We view mentorship as a partnership. Our role is to provide guidance, resources, and honest feedback while supporting trainees as they build confidence in their scientific approach. We strive to cultivate scientists who think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate generously, and approach research with integrity, rigor, and transparency.

We are deeply committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and constructive scientific community where all members feel valued and empowered to contribute. Diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen both our science and our community.

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Expectations for Scientific Independence

Postdoctoral Fellows

Postdocs in our lab function as emerging scientific leaders. They are expected to shape independent research directions, mentor junior lab members, and contribute to the broader intellectual direction of the lab and the field. Postdoctoral training focuses on establishing a distinct scientific voice, building a strong publication record and funding portfolio, and preparing for long-term research leadership.

Graduate Students

Graduate training emphasizes the transition from learning techniques to leading scientific questions. Students are expected to engage deeply with the literature, propose experimental directions, and progressively take ownership of project design, interpretation, and communication. Over time, students assume increasing intellectual independence and responsibility for the direction of their research.

Research Technicians

Research staff play a vital role in advancing the lab’s scientific mission. These roles emphasize initiative, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving. Staff members are expected to develop areas of technical or analytical expertise and to contribute ideas that improve projects and lab operations. We support career development aligned with individual goals, whether in academia, industry, or other science-related paths.

Career Development

We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and career goals that each lab member brings. Mentorship in our lab is individualized and collaborative. Together, we develop an Individualized Career Plan (ICP) that outlines your goals, areas for growth, and concrete steps toward your next stage.

Career development is an active process. Trainees are expected to reflect on their evolving interests, seek out new skills and experiences, and take initiative in shaping their professional trajectory. Through regular mentorship conversations and annual career development workshops, lab members explore a range of career paths and build the skills, networks, and confidence needed to pursue work they find meaningful and fulfilling.