Gordon Smith

Mentoring Philosophy

My goal as a mentor is to advance the career and scientific goals of my students. This is a bidirectional process, built on a foundation of strong communication. We will meet regularly to discuss both scientific projects as well as to develop the other skills essential to your career. I am as invested in your success as you are, and I will work hard to facilitate you achieving your goals.

Values

The Smith lab believes fundamentally in every person’s value and their right to a safe, welcoming, positive, and inclusive environment. There is zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct. 

Research projects

Research projects in the Smith lab arise from collaborative discussions and fall at the intersection of your talents, passions, and the lab’s goals. As scientists, our projects are always guided by our data, and it is not uncommon for the final iteration of a project to look nothing like its origin. Often, the most exciting projects come out of unexplained observations that lead to new ideas. All projects require hard work and perseverance. Be flexible in your thinking, and follow the data.

In the Smith Lab you are expected to:

  • Be inquisitive. Ask questions. Seek help when you don’t know or understand something. That’s how we learn!

  • Know the literature. Work to understand the larger context of your work.

  • Complete all required training, follow all safety and regulatory requirements. Know and follow our IACUC protocol, and show respect for the animals used in our studies.

  • Maintain a detailed lab notebook, including experiments and analyses.

  • Be a good lab citizen. Take care of our common microscopes. Leave the rig better than you found it. If something breaks, tell someone. Accidents happen, but we need to know so we can fix it.

  • Analyze data regularly! You need to know what your data is telling you.

  • Each Ph.D. student will submit at least one first author manuscript from their work in the lab.

 

To facilitate achieving your goals

  • Attendance and participation in weekly lab meetings is expected. Come prepared to discuss both your project and to contribute to those of other lab members. We are a communal organization that benefits from everyone’s collective input.

  • Meet weekly or biweekly with Gordon for more focused discussions of your progress and project.

  • Gordon has an open-door policy. Please reach out with any issues or concerns.

  • The lab has occasional social events. These are entirely optional, but are a fun opportunity to relax and get to know your co-workers outside of lab.

 

Key points

  • Trainees will write first drafts of all manuscripts, and will edit and revise in consultation with Gordon. The writing process is iterative, with frequent feedback and discussion. This is true both for manuscripts and for grant/fellowship applications.

  • Trainees will present their findings at local, national, and international conferences once their project has progressed sufficiently.

  • All abstracts, posters, and talks should be shown to Gordon before submission or presentation.

  • Authorship should always be decided as far in advance as practical, with first author generally going to the trainee leading the project and based on proportional intellectual and experimental input. In all cases, Gordon has final determination over authorship.

  • There is more to life than work. Trainees should take time to recharge and refocus. 

 

Expectations and Responsibilities of Me as your Advisor:

  • I will support you and advise you in your academic, research, and professional life and help you define and achieve your goals.

  • I will advise each person as an individual and not using a one-size-fits-all approach to mentoring.

  • I will give you my undivided attention for our regularly scheduled 1:1 sessions.

  • I will admit that I am not infallible or all knowing. I expect and welcome the opportunity to learn from you.

  • I will provide you with the time you need to take care of personal issues and to ensure your wellbeing (physical and otherwise) beyond your life as a student.

  • I will work with trainees to develop a plan for post-graduation or post-training whether that be in academia, industry, or any path your career takes you.

  • I am here to help you however I can. You are always free to come to me with concerns, personal, professional, or workplace-related.

Updated 1/15/22