Hello! this is the semi “whenever I feel like it” update to my research group rules. Do you like the header above?
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RE: Pagán Lab Rules 2025
Welcome to the Pagán Laboratory!
Thank you for joining our research group. I hope to provide an environment to help you achieve your academic and professional goals while impressing a fascination for the natural world and the excitement of scientific research.
First and foremost, if in doubt, ask!
Also:
You will break things.
You will spill stuff.
You will kill worms.
It’s absolutely OK!
Our Mission. The “main mission” of the Pagán Laboratory is to explore the complexities of the nervous system from a pharmacological perspective, emphasizing the discovery of natural or synthetic substances that could eventually help alleviate neurological conditions. We are also interested in the pharmacology of regeneration. Our primary animal model is the planarian, but we may use others depending on specific projects.
Civility. Conflicts will likely arise in our group, as it is human nature. This being said, I expect every research group member to be polite and respectful. Rude behavior/gossip will not be tolerated. Also, treat every research/lab-related conversation as CONFIDENTIAL. This point is critical when talking about our unpublished research. As per university and personal policy, you must report any instance of alleged harassment to me. I will take the appropriate steps to eliminate any problems.
General lab policies
- Please be aware that our laboratory works with potentially toxic chemicals; you must keep the work area clean. Use gloves whenever handling chemicals. Take your gloves off BEFORE COMING TO THE DESK AREA.
- When using solutions from the freezer, only thaw the ones that will be immediately used, not the whole box of vials. Any solutions left outside the freezer overnight (or more) will be unceremoniously tossed in the trash by yours truly.
- Please do not eat or drink in the lab. It is OK to do so in the desk area. There is a small refrigerator, a microwave oven, and a coffee maker for us to use. Please keep this area clean. Please clean any cups that you use, as well as any spills, etc.
- You will also have access to a computer and a printer. When using them, please be “safe for work” and only log on to the lab’s account. More on this below.
- You must notify any accidents to me or another faculty member if I am not around or reachable. There is a first-aid kit in the laboratory, located by the lab windows.
- My private phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX; please do not share it with anyone outside the lab. I would like to have yours as well and will keep them, of course, confidential. I encourage all of you to exchange phone numbers with each other to facilitate communication.
Common computer. There is a desktop in the “Student Lounge” of our lab. When login on, please only use the login information posted on it. If you log on with your personal WCU account, you (or anyone else) will not have access to the data files or the software that we use.
Research / Publications
- I ask you to bring a laboratory notebook (nothing with loose pages or spiral-bound; sewn is ideal, but nothing fancy, either). Always record your data in your laboratory notebook; DATA is DATA. Even if you think that your data does not agree with what we think is happening, even if you think you made a mistake, write it down.
- Do not store data exclusively in your laptop, phone, etc. Data must go in your lab notebook and in your folder on the common computer.
- I don’t think I need to state that “cooking” data is not allowed in our group and will not be tolerated, but I am saying it anyway.
- There must be no whiteouts or tears in your laboratory notebook. This is how real science is done.
- The laboratory notebook must stay in the lab at all times, as it is laboratory property. Please do not take it home without talking to me about it first.
- Your notes must be clear and should immediately tell the reader what the experiment is about. Please include an initial explanation of the experiment as well as the procedures (i.e., methods, concentrations—with proper units, results, tables/graphs as needed… and please, pretty please, write the date! I do not want to be in a situation where I need to ask you, “Was this a control worm?”, etc.
- An excellent guideline for annotating your lab notebook is the CERN method: Context, Experiments, Results, Next steps. I expect you to adhere to this practice.
- Modern scientific research is a collaborative enterprise. Do not hesitate to come to me with any ideas about possible projects! I will try to accommodate your preference in terms of your specific research. However, I will make any final decision for the project assignment.
- I might ask you to help with the experiments of your labmates whenever necessary.
- One of the objectives of research is to obtain publishable data. This is how you build a reputation as a scientist. Authorship is a delicate matter with no absolute rules. I (and only I) decide who (and in what order) will be a coauthor in any submitted publications from our research. Merely helping in some experiments does not guarantee authorship. Authorship is earned based on a significant contribution to the work and on a thorough understanding of the research involved, as well as involvement in the submission and review process, and I reserve the right to change my mind!
- A final point: Please do not ignore my emails. It will be the main line of communication for lab matters. I do not want to text you if I do not have to; I am kind of nice 😊.
We’ll talk more soon. In the meantime, again, welcome to the lab, thank you for being one of us, and please do not hesitate to talk to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pagán
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