Principles
Education
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” -Malcolm Forbes
Learning is a multi-faceted process that requires step-for-step effort and feedback from both the trainer and the trainee. Incorporating journal clubs, discussions, seminars, demonstration, and when appropriate, tactile learning examples is essential to cast a wide net for all learning styles. We also know the value of repetition for strengthening those ‘learning synapses’ and so we aim to keep scientific discussion open, supportive, repeated, and fun whenever possible. Finally, we strive to create a learning environment in which lab members will feel welcome to share valued perspectives from all cultures, backgrounds, identities, abilities, and life experiences.
Respect
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine” -Alan Turing
Critiques are a vital component of scientific research, however, critiques should be directed toward the science not the scientist. We believe that the best science blossoms out of an environment of mutual respect between all of our individual members. We also recognize the monumental power of diversity and difference of opinion in research and education (Hofstra et al., 2020), thus we wish to foster a welcoming and respectful environment within our lab.
Integrity
“Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts.” -Nikki Giovanni
We are deeply committed to the idea that the thread of integrity begins when you set foot in the lab, continues through how experiments are designed, through ethical and humane experimentation, appropriate analyses, and proper reporting to the public and to the greater scientific community. The scientific process MUST be executed with the highest standards of integrity because our greatest responsibilities lie with: 1) the potential of our work to be used in human populations waiting for a cure, 2) the care and respect for animal life, 3) the funding organizations (including taxpayer money), and 4) our fellow lab members. We are but one cog in one machine spinning on one tiny planet in a universe of billions; integrity must be at the heart of everything you do.
Passion
“There is no passion to be found playing small-in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” -Nelson Mandela
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious” -Albert Einstein
The Dale Lab exists because of passion. Science can mean long hours, grueling schedules, failed experiments, and incorrect hypotheses. But it also means having a lab family, learning how to improve your skills, and discovering something no one else on the planet has seen before! In the Dale Lab, an ambition for discovery and deeper knowledge are traits we strive for. It’s this tenacity and enthusiasm which leads to the greatest discoveries.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
-Wayne Gretzky
-Michael Scott
-Erica Dale