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Virtual/distanced lab rotations are not optimal, but they do show how the lab responds to stressful situations. And that is invaluable information as the pandemic won’t be the last stressful time in academia.
Some thoughts for incoming grad students
@AcademicChatter
Some thoughts for incoming grad students
@AcademicChatter
1. Do the PI/postdocs/senior grad students make time to meet with you, chat with you, and teach you what is possible through this virtual format?
they probably will continue to do so when things go back to normal.
they probably will continue to do so when things go back to normal.
2. Does the lab seems structured? Are there regular lab meetings or journal clubs? Are there clear expectations about how the lab deals with institutional rules surrounding social distancing?
this is a sign of structure that will maintain when the lab will open back up.
this is a sign of structure that will maintain when the lab will open back up.
3. Are lab members kind when they talk about eachother and the PI? Do lab members know what other students and postdocs are working on and do they seem collaborative?
this is a sign that kindness and collaboration is a core value in this lab group.
this is a sign that kindness and collaboration is a core value in this lab group.
4. Is the lab creative in how they designed your lab project? Have they thought out how they can make the most out of this situation?
you encountered open-minded and creative scientists.
you encountered open-minded and creative scientists.
5. Are the PI/postdocs/senior grad students responding to your emails?
awesome, communication is important for this lab group.
awesome, communication is important for this lab group.
If it is hard for suboptimal lab environments to hide their true colors during normal rotations, it’s nearly impossible during virtual rotations.
If you think you see a
it is a .
Do not marry a spouse thinking they will change.
Do not join a lab thinking it will change.
If you think you see a
it is a .Do not marry a spouse thinking they will change.
Do not join a lab thinking it will change.
