Expectations - sparklabnyc/resources GitHub Wiki

Expectations, mentorship, and lab culture

What we expect from you

As a member of Spark Lab NYC, you are expected to:

• Be reliable, show up on time for meetings, and communicate properly
• Work ethically and engage with curiosity
• Keep learning
• Collaborate effectively and respectfully
• Stay organized and complete tasks on time

What can you expect from us

• Encourage growth - we support your goals, whether you're here to learn, publish, or gain experience
• Give fair credit - acknowledgements and contributions are noted
• Being transparent - we'll be clear in your role and responsibilities
• Offer regular check-ins - mentors and staff will meet with you regularly
• Provide supportive mentorships - you will have a mentor to guide you in your research

Mentorship & Professional Development

At SPARK Lab NYC, we believe that strong mentorship and meaningful professional development are at the heart of good science and a healthy lab culture.

We encourage:

• Regular check-ins with your mentor or PI
• Clear goal setting for your projects
• Space for honest discussions about challenges, progress, and future directions

In addition to mentorship, we encourage lab members to build skills that go beyond research. We believe good science should make a difference. Not just in journals, but in people’s lives. We support you in interacting with the public to advance your work.

Lab Culture Principles

• Ask questions
• Respect diversity
• No Ad Hominem
• Balance work-life relations
• Share knowledge and contribute

If Issues Come Up

If you ever feel that you’re not receiving sufficient support or need to raise a concern, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.