Site Design and Maintainance,
Nora Edwards
Lab Manual Page
A Personal Note
If you have only positive feelings when you leave the laboratory, you will be in the minority, perhaps unique. I certainly was not wholly positive to the respective lab experiences after my undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate work. Despite this caveat, I believe I can guarantee that the rewards will be well worth the costs. There are some things, though, that you should keep in mind during your time in the laboratory. First and foremost, I am a person of moods like you. This may lead to periods of general tension in the laboratory. If at some point during your stay in the laboratory there is a particular problem that you feel is of general concern and, further, you feel I can rectify or ameliorate it, I would appreciate it if you would tell me. If you do not and I do not pick up on it, you will begin to resent the laboratory experience rather than enjoy it.
As head of 12+ research scientists at various levels of training, I am constantly trying to coordinate and keep ahead of a variety of research projects. You will find that at times it is impossible to talk with me spontaneously about your research activities. Worse yet, you may find that you have to "bring me up to speed" before presenting the latest finding! At other times, such questions may distract me from what I am doing at the time and I will have to schedule appointments. My abruptness or terse manner at these times should not be taken as evidence of dislike or disinterest. If those were my thoughts, you would not be in the laboratory!
Again, do not be intimidated by this (re-read the introduction). You should feel free to approach me. I enjoy talking about ideas but you may find that even entering my office may be difficult at first. Some of the best ideas have started out as seemingly insignificant or trivial thoughts.