Multiscale Cardiovascular Fluids Laboratory > MCFL Code of Conduct

Multiscale Cardiovascular Fluids Laboratory (MCFL) Code of Conduct

If you're perusing this, it probably means that you are a part of the lab (welcome back!) or are considering joining us (welcome!). Our work focuses on developing methods for improving detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular and neurovascular disease. We strive to achieve our goals using a combination of computational and experimental approaches, usually in collaboration with clinicians and other research groups.

You: I value each and every one of you as a person first, a lab researcher after. Your well-being and happiness is paramount, as is your mental engagement. The lab is a place of discovery, which can only happen when you are motivated, engaged and invested. I am invested in the well-being of each one of you, and maintaining a good working relationship is very important to me. Feel free to come talk to me anytime. You are here to learn, and I am here to help you do so.

Overall Code of Conduct

The MCFL is a place for learning and pushing the boundaries of science - this is best achieved when the lab is a fun, supportive, safe and engaging environment. Behavior that is not in line with these objectives is unacceptable. It is our duty to be respectful, considerate, fair, and honest to ALL. Detailed information regarding Florida Tech's code of conduct is available here and information regarding Title IX is available here, and will not be repeated in this section.

Remember, being a part of a research lab is a privilege, not a right. Use this opportunity for furthering your academic, scientific and professional knowledge and development, but do not take it (or me) for granted.

Expectations and Responsibilities

We operate in the domain of research, which I perceive to be better elaborated as re-search, i.e., continually engaging the process of "searching" for the best answer to the question that is in front of us. You should be motivated and invested in your work. This can sometimes be difficult, especially because re-search keeps you searching without finding answers for a while (this can happen!). Talk to me and we will figure out a path together. Remember, I am not here just to teach - I am here to help you learn.

Mistakes

Naturally, research is not possible without making mistakes - rather, making mistakes is part of the process. The MCFL does not discourage making mistakes because it is a normal part of learning, and indeed, research.

If you make a mistake:

Don't panic. It happens to the best of us. Breathe. For anyone working with experiments, make sure you and your colleagues are safe. For anyone working on code, make sure your scripts and data are saved (always have a backup!)
Evaluate your mistake - can it be rectified? Did you identify it after you submitted your work for a conference/paper/meeting? Talk to me!
Making mistakes is OK, but it should not be because of carelessness, inability to check your work or being in haste
Be supportive of each other, especially when someone makes a mistake. We all learn together
Provide constructive feedback to your colleagues if you can

Conduct

As mentioned above, we are all bound by the policies and rules stipulated by Florida Tech. Along with that, everyone should be mindful of the following:

Be polite and courteous at all times. If you have a concern, communicate with the relevant personnel if you feel comfortable doing so. If you aren't comfortable, come see me
Be respectful at all times - even when you are not seeing eye-to-eye. Its ok to disagree, but respectfully
Respect your labmates, especially their space. If they desire quiet time for thinking or focusing, make every effort to do so
Respect everyone, regardless of ethnicities, cultures, religions, backgrounds, beliefs, history, gender identities or sexual orientation. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths - we all bring something new (i.e. our perspectives) to the group, and that is very valuable
Behaving in an obviously prejudiced and biased manner towards anyone in the lab is not allowed, and will not be tolerated. The lab is an open, inclusive and safe space for everyone
If you (or someone else in the lab) is struggling, or in need of help, do what you can to help them (ask them first). Bring it to my attention immediately
Any unpleasantness/tension/hostility in the lab is to be brought to my notice immediately. Disrespectfulness and rudeness, including any offensive behavior, is not tolerated in the lab. If you do not feel comfortable communicating with the person in question, come see me. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis
You may not like each decision I make with respect to the lab - this is a normal part of life. You are always welcome to come meet me for sharing your thoughts. However, be professional, courteous and respectful in your conversations with me. Any disrespect is not tolerated and may result in Progressive Discipline action, as outlined below (see Accountability)
The focus of the lab is to push the boundaries of research and science, and as such each of you have responsibilities towards your own project(s). Do not question or comment on anyone else's involvement in other projects while in the lab (you can discuss the science, challenges, and possible solutions). As mentioned before, come see me if you would like to discuss something
If you feel a Title IX-related event has occurred, contact the Title IX office immediately. You can also choose to come see me if you wish. Remember, I am a mandated reporting official, and will need to report any Title IX-related information immediately to the Title IX office
All of you are adults, and thus, I expect you to behave like adults. Remember, I am here to help you learn, and be the best version of yourself from an academic and professional standpoint

General

We are here in the lab because of our interest and willingness to learn and push ourselves and the boundaries of science. This forms the primary motivation of being part of this lab
Your are not expected to be in the lab everyday at 9 am. You are, however, expected to determine the best time that works for you (and that does not affect anyone else) to get your work done. I am flexible with when you work - however, procrastination (especially repeatedly) and avoiding doing your tasks is not tolerated (it is also highly unprofessional!)
Respect other labs members time and be mindful of disturbing others. You may be taking a break and/or completed your work for the day; this does not mean others have
Your are expected to maintain a lab notebook and be consistent and diligent in taking notes from our meetings, and when you are working
Each lab member's lab notebook will be reviewed at the end of each semester to determine next steps, including continuation of the project
You are not expected to be in the lab on evenings, weekends and/or holidays. You can choose to come to the lab on such occasions if you wish, depending on your work schedule and deadlines. Keep me informed if you are planning to do so
You are expected to have a life outside of the lab - we are social creatures after all! However, care should be taken to minimize non-lab discussions/activities that may affect other labmates (e.g. excessively loud talking, etc)
Make sure you lock the doors if you are the last one leaving at the end of the day
You are open to work from home (or elsewhere on campus), especially if you are writing. However, please be sure to let me know so that your absence is explained
Keep the lab tidy. I understand that messes can happen, especially when working with experiments. It is your responsibility to clean up the mess you made. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it, but be mindful of others time

Accountability

You are accountable for your actions, and for following the MCFL Code of Conduct. Any violations of the MCFL Code of Conduct will result in implementation of Progressive Discipline - this typically consists of three warnings in order of implementation: (1) Verbal, (2) Written, (3) Probation, followed by the removal from lab for failure to uphold the MCFL Code of Conduct. These actions will be determined based on the severity and frequency of the violation and may result in direct probation or removal from the lab depending on the circumstance. In select cases, violations and discipline may be reviewed by both myself (Dr. Chivukula) and the Department Head.

As the lab PI, it is my duty to provide an engaging, challenging, fun. inclusive and safe environment to anyone involved in the lab, no matter their history, background, culture, religious beliefs, ethnicities, gender identity, or sexual orientation. You are the future and the folks that will make an impact on the world looking ahead - I will try my utmost to provide you with the tools and skills you need to be successful tomorrow. I can't wait to see the exciting things that you achieve in the future!

Anyone wishing to join the MCFL (or existing) needs to provide a signed and dated acknowledgment of the MCFL Code of Conduct. The MCFL Code of Conduct will be reviewed and updated by the lab PI Dr. Chivukula as required.