SEVENTH SENSE FOR INCOMING BIOMED GRAD STUDENTS FROM MY HOMELAND (Series II)

Lab rotations are an essential aspect of the PhD training process, allowing you to explore different research areas, work with various mentors, and gain a broad scientific perspective before selecting a specific research project for your doctoral thesis. Lab rotations offer an excellent opportunity for you to acquire valuable skills, establish professional connections, and identify a research focus that aligns with your interests and career goals.

My lab rotations during the first year of grad school equipped me with valuable skills. Before I started my PhD, I had never worked with cells, nor had I purified recombinant proteins. My Lab rotations taught me to work with cells and purify recombinant proteins. And when I chose my thesis lab, the skills that I acquired during my rotation were extremely helpful in getting me started ASAP.

As an incoming biomedical graduate student, especially if you are an international student and have not had the opportunity to work in labs with cutting-edge facilities, you can leverage lab rotations to polish your research skills. This edition of 7th SENSE provides you with tips and insights into navigating and maximizing lab rotations during the first year of your graduate program.

Plan: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else,” said Yogi Berra. Before starting every lab rotation, spend time researching potential labs and mentors. Consider the research topics, lab culture, and expertise of the principal investigator (PI). Meet with the lab’s current students outside of the Lab to get their honest opinions and experiences in the lab. Use that meeting opportunity to ask about the personality of the PI. Of note, it is vital to choose labs that align with your scientific interests or curiosity. It is, however, not odd if you don’t have a very specific interest by the start of your grad program. Lab rotations and being open to getting help with it would help you figure out your scientific interests.

Set Clear Goals: During each lab rotation, set specific learning goals. Define what skills, techniques, and knowledge you aim to acquire during the rotation. Having clear goals will keep you focused and make the most of the opportunity. Depending on the period for each lab rotation in your school, let your goals be SMART. ?Notably, do ensure to achieve the goals you set.

Immerse Yourself in the Lab Culture: Be proactive in integrating into the lab's community. Engage with lab members, attend lab meetings, and participate in discussions. Building positive relationships with lab members and PI fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. You may not end up joining a lab, but the relationship you build can last a lifetime. For example, you can invite a PI from any of your previous lab rotations to join your Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). I still go back to some of the labs I had my rotations to get help or make inquiries, which is possible because I built a good relationship with the members.

Take Initiative: Show initiative and eagerness to learn. Ask questions, seek guidance, and take on responsibility for small projects within the lab. While it is important to ask questions, ask questions genuinely, not for show-offs. It is also important that you make efforts to seek some answers on your own before you ask others. This lets you ask specific questions and shows that you have questioning skills. Demonstrating enthusiasm and a strong work ethic will make a positive impression on your mentors.

Time Management: Lab rotations are typically short, so effective time management is crucial. Balance your time between lab work, reading scientific literature, and attending seminars. Prioritize tasks to ensure you achieve your learning goals.

Keep a Lab Notebook: Maintain a detailed and organized lab notebook throughout each rotation. A well-kept notebook is essential for documenting protocols, experimental results, and troubleshooting, which will be valuable when writing your rotation report or thesis proposal. One of my lab rotations taught me the value of keeping detailed lab notes. Six months after the completion of my rotation in the lab, I went back to the lab for a protocol I wrote in the Lab Note that I used when I was in the Lab. Pro tip: when writing your lab note, think about 'if I give this lab note to a literate person, will the person understand?'

Seek Feedback: Request feedback from your PI, bench mentor, and/or lab members periodically. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills and approach to research and lab culture. Feedback can hurt sometimes but build your mindset to embrace it. Nice words won’t help you get better. Of note, not everyone knows how to provide feedback, but be smart to discern and separate the person from the feedback and assess the feedback.

Communicate Effectively: Practice effective communication in listening, writing, and speaking. Present your results clearly. Ask thoughtful questions during lab meetings (if you have one). Be receptive to feedback from your peers. When your PI or bench mentor gives a long list of instructions; jot them down; recap and summarize the instructions for them to confirm that you understand everything. This is not redundancy; it is active listening skills.

Maintain Work-Life Balance: Ph.D. programs can be demanding, but it is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take time to relax, exercise, and have some fun to prevent burnout. Remember, you are the only one who knows what gives work-life balance for you. After all, fun is whatever you call it; it could be learning new things for you.

Evaluate Lab Fit: After lab rotations and you need to join a lab, what next? Reflect on your experiences in each lab rotation and assess your fit with the lab culture, research environment, and mentorship style. Consider the potential for growth and support when making your final decision.

In conclusion, lab rotations are an invaluable opportunity for Ph.D. students to explore various research areas, enhance their skills, and identify their research interests. By planning ahead, setting clear goals, and active engagement in the lab environment, students can maximize lab rotations and make informed decisions about their future research focus. Embracing the learning process and staying adaptable will contribute to a successful and rewarding Ph.D. journey. With this, I believe the odds are in your favor.

Afterthought:

Do not waste your lab rotation!

Our actions and approach to situations reflect what we know.

If you set up a rotation with no good knowledge of the lab, it is okay to cancel the rotation when you realize that the lab is not a good fit for you. Cancel the rotation politely.

I deem it appropriate to emphasize this because Nigerians are generally trained to be intrinsically respectful, which often biases some people’s decision to be politely assertive on what is best for them.