Philosophy

Mission

In our research group, we aim to advance understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavior and cognition using the tools of computational neuroscience. To achieve this, we strive to create an environment that cultivates inclusion, curiosity, diligence, objectivity, and intellectual honesty.

Values

All our efforts are grounded in shared scientific & community values:

  • We aim to build a community of scientists driven by inclusion of all points of views and life experiences, respect for each other, curiosity and creativity in pursuing new ideas, and scientific rigor.
  • We believe in open and respectful communication:
    • We believe that science is a communal effort. 
    • We strongly foster collaborations both within our group and with the larger community.
    • We always share results and work in progress with each other, because we believe science is a journey and always a work in progress.
    • We aim to build a safe space where everybody feels comfortable asking questions. It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
    • We encourage one another to present null results. It’s okay to be wrong and acknowledge past mistakes.
  • We strive for transparency & reproducibility both within the lab and with the scientific community:
    • We maintain clear documentation of our efforts and lab practices, and share all our tools and models with each other.
    • We maintain open source access to all our results, disseminating our research on code-sharing and data-sharing platforms to support reproducibility.

Code of conduct 

All lab members will

  • Listen with an open mind to all perspectives. Everyone has their own point of view, and we do not judge others for their beliefs or choices.
  • Respect whatever might be going on in someone’s life outside of work.
  • Show up on time for scheduled events and meetings. Time is an important resource, and we respect other people’s time.
  • Admit when we are wrong and be open to respectful criticisms.
  • Only use others’ space and resources after getting permission, and treat them with care.
  • When in doubt about best safety practices, ASK!
  • Be open and honest with one another about our needs and preferences.
  • Be open to collaboration within the lab, which can accelerate scientific progress.
  • Exhibit scientific integrity in all aspects of our research.
  • Participate in group meetings and journal clubs actively and, whenever possible, in person.

The PI will

  • Be responsible for the quality of work that comes out of our group, ensuring that our science is rigorous and that the taxpayers’ funds that support it are well spent.
  • Be responsive to the unique cultural needs, such as ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, health, and socioeconomic status, of trainees.
  • Take trainees’ questions seriously and answer them constructively, giving them the freedom to express their views.
  • Promote cooperation instead of competition between trainees.
  • Provide opportunities and encouragement for trainees to attend academic conferences, workshops, and summer schools.
  • Provide trainees with opportunities to think creatively. In addition to following their advisor’s guidance about how to make progress in their research, trainees should have some freedom and encouragement to try new things and develop their own ideas.
  • Acknowledge diverse communication styles and be open to different mentoring approaches, depending on the trainees needs.
  • Provide opportunities for informal interactions with lab dinners, happy hours, and other outings.
  • Recognize the hard work of trainees both publicly and privately.
  • Support the individual goals and aspirations of each lab member.
  • Encourage students to finish their academic degree on schedule without extensions.
  • Respect work/life boundaries and not expect responses outside of regular working hours (except under agreed-upon deadlines).
  • Provide opportunities for regular one-to-one meetings with each trainee, including regular in-depth discussion about career goals and strategies for achieving them.
  • Encourage trainees to apply for funding and train them on grantsmanship.
  • Be timely and constructive in providing feedback.
  • Roll up his sleeves and do some science himself alongside trainees.
  • Prioritize the interests of trainees over his own in cases where these interests don’t completely align.
  • Commit to provide financial resources to support the trainees.
  • Be humble and never dismissive of other people’s work.

Trainees will

  • Be curious and motivated about their research project.
  • Strive to cultivate their own creative ideas about research approaches and directions, beyond what their PI recommends.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the background literature related to their project and how their own work fits in with it.
  • Be responsible for their own schedule and setting their goals.
  • Devote at least as much effort to their work as a student or postdoc as they would to any other full-time job.
  • Apply for their own funding in cases where they are eligible.
  • Be proactive about asking for the help they need to succeed.
  • Do the very best work they can and be aware and communicative of what they need to be happy, fulfilled, and successful.

How to implement changes to lab practices

Just like science, our group is also a work in progress, and we continuously strive to improve our community and activities via continuous feedback between members. PIs at the NeuroAI Center will send students and postdocs out for dinner once a year to discuss and provide feedback on lab practices and culture. This feedback will be the basis for a group meeting discussion about lab practices and culture. The PIs will be responsible for incorporating this feedback into our lab practices and philosophy.