Lab Philosophy

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to contribute to the field of cellular neuroscience and to create a productive and supportive environment in which we train future generations of scientists and physical therapists. Therefore, much of our efforts are directed towards research endeavors that may provide a benefit for human health. Specifically, we aim to make a lasting impact on the field of neurobiology of cognitive resilience against Alzheimer’s disease.

Expectations of All Lab Members

• Above all, I expect all lab members to maintain the highest ethical standards.
• I expect you to be supportive of fellow lab members and contribute to a friendly and collaborative atmosphere in our lab.
• I expect you to follow lab safety protocols and regulations.
• I expect all lab members to keep a detailed record of all experiments in the designated electronic laboratory notebook, in addition to your handwritten notebook.
• I expect you to read articles that are relevant to your research and in the general area of our work.
• I expect you to attend all laboratory group meetings and to participate in discussions. Notify me in advance if you cannot attend.
• I expect you to attend seminars and to participate in other departmental activities and be part of our larger university community.
• I expect students and postdocs to apply for relevant and eligible external funding (private foundations, NSF, NIH) and for travel grants. Let me know of all submissions you have planned for the next 12 months.
• I expect you to create and revise your individual development plan (IDP) once per year. You can find a template on our lab DPT-Pirate Drive and a guide to prepare it.
• I expect you to treat all lab members with respect, regardless of their career stage.

Expectations of Erzsebet

• You can expect me to be fair and to treat you with respect and dignity.
• You can be sure that I will do everything in my power to secure funding for our lab, acquire the appropriate equipment and establish important collaborations.
• You can expect me to support and cultivate your academic development and career goals.
• You can expect me to meet with you regularly one on one to help you interpret your data and discuss future directions.
• You can expect me to review your IDP with you to see if you are on track for your goals and help you overcome any challenges.
• You can expect me to guide your thinking instead of doing it for you.
• You can be sure I will read and comment on your manuscripts, fellowship applications, conference abstracts you give me within 1 week.
• You can expect me to support your travel to one national conference every other year (more if you get your own funding).
• You can expect me to ask you to present your research frequently, so that you improve your presentation skills.
• You can expect me to push you out of your comfort zone towards increasing independence.
• You can be sure that I will do my best to help you prepare for exams, interviews and job talks and to nominate you for academic awards.
• You can count on me to introduce you to other scientists in the field and help you build your network of collaborators.
• You can expect me to provide you with copies of recommendation/reference letters that I write for you.
• Your time and effort are valuable to me and I promise to do my best to ensure that you complete your training in a timely manner.
• You can count on me to care about your happiness, success and future.