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Been having lots of convos this weekend with incoming graduate students in my department! Realized all my advice for choosing a lab boils down to one sentence: The lab *environment*, not the science, is the factor you need to give the most weight.
A short thread! 1/
A short thread! 1/
I worked in several (too many) labs as an undergrad, in a range of fields. I always came to feel the same level of ownership over my project, and the same drive to do good science, regardless of what the project actually focused on...
...so the determining factor in whether I loved that lab or hated it was the people, not the science. 3/
Heard a lot of “I dont like PI X as much as PI Y, but X is in the same field I specialized in undergrad.” IMO, if you’re coming straight from undergrad, you don’t *have* a specialization yet. If the lab focuses on a field you’re not super familiar with, don’t sweat, you’ll learn!
Conversely, if the lab is working on a field you find fascinating, but you just don’t vibe with the PI or you don’t feel like you integrate well with the lab culture, you will have a terrible time. The coolness of the science will not compensate. 5/
(Also if everyone is telling you that a particular lab/PI is toxic, you’re almost definitely not the singular exception who’s going to have a great time. You’re probably going to hate it. Avoid. Avoid.) 6/
Anyways in conclusion, your lab is so important. Working with people who make you feel safe and connected vs. working in an environment where you feel at sea makes ALL the difference. Don’t pick your lab based on the science. Pick it based on the people. /END! 
