In order to maintain a welcoming, safe, diverse & nurturing lab environment, everyone in the Bao group needs to meet the following items. For things that are not listed here, check with Dr. Bao!
Safety
- Use the proper attire to be in a laboratory (closed shoes, long pants, shirt with sleeves, minimal amount of jewelry, short or bound hair)
- Label the bottles for your reagents and put in your own drawer.
- Don’t leave ON or unattended: hot plates, burners, stirrer, or water baths if they are not supposed to be on.
- Know where the safety equipment is in the lab: fire blanket, fire extinguisher, chemical spill kit, first aid kit, emergency exit.
- Know where the chemical/biohazard and glass/sharp objects waste are in the lab.
- Clean up after yourself….. Do not leave the surface of the bench disorganized or dirty.
Interpersonal relationships
- The laboratory members do not have to be like your brothers or sisters, parents, cousins or, even, friends… They are your colleagues… Behave professionally!
- Do not play loud music in the lab… Preferably, do not put music at all. Do be aware that headphones are not a good idea since you may not be able to respond effectively in case of emergency.
- Respect the personal and professional space and time of your colleagues.
- Remember, if you are experiencing a stressful situation because of your research or academic duties is very likely that the other laboratory members are feeling the same way…
- Engage your colleagues in “healthy” scientific discussion.
- Honesty: NEVER lie! ALWAYS say the truth!!
- Cell phones: Keep your personal conversation to yourself… and not answer your cell phone or text with your gloves on…
- Be open to criticism and constructively criticize others… Understand that this constructive criticism helps to point out weaknesses in your research work and will help you be a better scientist. It is not a personal criticism of you.
- Lab space is for everyone to use.
- Always ask first. Do not turn any timer, instrument or light OFF without asking first.
- NEVER leave an empty container in the refrigerator or chemical shelf. Report all reagents that you finished to Dr. Bao.
- Do not leave common equipment dirty in the sink or bench.
- Respect and treat the experiment of others like yours..Remember the golden rule.
- Keep your voice down…
- Do your lab duties with responsibility and consideration to other members.
- Use the lab computers responsibly and professionally.