Our Mission
-
To address research topics that are both intellectually intriguing and medically relevant by employing mechanistic, hypothesis-driven approaches using innovative technologies.
-
To disseminate our research findings and reagents to the broader scientific community.
-
To foster a supportive training environment for all to attain their full potential and achieve their career goals.
Our Values
The lab aims to create a research environment where each member is respected and valued, thereby fostering collaborative interactions that would lead to a sense of personal accomplishment as well as their contribution to the success of the lab.
As a lab, we conduct experiments and analyze data with the highest level of scientific rigor and honesty. Scientific misconduct will not be tolerated. While mistakes are inevitable, it is important to openly communicate and rectify such issues at the earliest possible opportunity. We ought to be our own toughest critics and strive to promote constructive criticism, giving and receiving feedback, irrespective of positional levels. Integrity also extends to research ethics, especially when they pertain to the use of human samples and animals, where strict federal and university guidelines are in place.
Success in science requires commitment, enthusiasm and hard work. We must be goal-oriented and organized, setting experimentation priorities so time spent in the lab will be most productive and results will be of the highest-quality. Our obligation is to obtain data that would eventually benefit humankind and fulfill our pledge to organizations that financially support our research. However, personal well-being is essential for a continual level of high productivity, thus achieving a proper work-life balance is also important. Lab members feeling mental exhaustion and/or a lack of enthusiasm and motivation should approach their mentor or contact UTSW resources (such as counseling services). Science should be fulfilling and enjoyable, not a burden.
Science is teamwork and requires interdisciplinary collaborations. We can only succeed as a lab if we support and assist each other, with every member contributing their best effort. Each member can offer unique skills that could enrich the lab in both work and social interactions. We ask that ever be a good listener to avoid problems stemming from miscommunication. We will strive to create a communicative and collaborative environment. Finally, recognizing the intellectual contributions of lab members is an important aspect of good citizenship, thus criteria for authorships/leadership will be discussed at the early stages of projects and collaborative efforts. Our goal is to establish a trusting and enjoyable environment to work in so scientific and personal relationships fostered will persist beyond each member’s time in the lab.