The Community of Research

As a research scientist, many people think you are unwilling to share your findings before they are published in case anyone tries to steal your work. While that may be true for some researchers, the lab environment at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a friendly and collaborative place to share your findings, gain insight on other projects, and problem solve with other researchers.

In Dr. Carter's lab, we have weekly lab meetings where each team is able to share the experiments they are working on, identify any challenges or setbacks, and propose future experiments or changes. We have three research teams working in the lab this summer, and each team has their own days to present. The benefit of having multiple teams in one lab is that we are able to have thought provoking discussions about each other's research since we are not all doing the same experiments or working on the same research question. We have that so-called 'ignorance' about their project and can point out simple things that may be overlooked. Sharing our work also gives us a chance to practice presenting our research and answering questions on the spot in a supportive environment. It gives me the accountability to make sure I know how each of my experiments work and why it is useful for my project.

We also have a collaborative atmosphere with other labs working on campus this summer. I had the opportunity to train colleagues from a different lab on how to prepare and run one of the experiments I do. It is the collaborative effort of labs coming together to share their knowledge and help their colleagues achieve a common goal. Dr. Carter and I also had the opportunity to have a meeting with another McNair student and her mentor working in the biology lab this summer, Savanna and Dr. Lee. We discussed our research projects, how everything is going so far, and any challenges we have faced. Dr. Carter and Dr. Lee also shared their graduate school experience; their graduate school path, what it was like in their research lab, and their relationship with their mentor. It was a stimulating discussion where I was able to informally present my research, learn about Savanna's research project, and discuss our graduate school plans.

It is important to share our knowledge, celebrate the victories, and offer guidance in times of failure. This is what it means to be a research scientist.