Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

What should you expect from all lab members?

• We value teamwork, responsibility, compassion, honesty, respect, and creative thinking. We respect everyone in the lab regardless of their stage of training.
• We embrace accepting that we do not know everything (otherwise, what would be the purpose of research?) I strive to foster an environment where trainees are encouraged to ask for help as well as share their knowledge with others.
• We respect the time of others and their preferences. We will work with you to ensure your research experience is crafted around your interests and personality, thus we expect you to treat our schedule(s) with the same level of respect.
• It is okay to reshuffle your schedule a week or two if you are facing a load of exams or are experiencing personal issues. Simply communicate and a solution will be found. Your mental health is more important than an experiment.
• All communication—written or verbal, inside or outside the lab—should be professional and inclusive to people of different backgrounds.
• Follow the rules and guidelines. Biomedical research relies on paying careful attention to detail and keeping thorough notes—including of every calculation and mistake made. Never manipulate or selectively exclude data to achieve an expected result.
• Be a team player and be mindful of shared spaces. Make an effort to maintain an organized and clean lab space. Keep your own reagents and supplies organized on your bench and do not take these from someone else without their permission. If a reagent or supply is running low, let everyone know.
• Have fun! Scientific research is hard and challenging—don’t forget to smile, make memories, and enjoy the learning process.

What should students expect from Dr. Rivera-Serrano as your research advisor?

• I meet one-on-one with all my mentees at least once a week, usually twice. These meetings are to (1) set weekly goals, (2) discuss/interpret recent results, (3) discuss professional development opportunities, and/or (4) simply chat over food and build community.
• My goal is to develop critical thinkers who appreciate that science is a complicated process that is everything but linear.
• I strive to enhance your undergraduate experience in the research setting by complementing knowledge acquired in the classroom through the scientific method. Working in my lab is about experiencing scientific creativity and guided problem solving, not a mere grade or a checkbox on your resume.
• I don’t expect you to have aced and remember the contents of every biology course you have taken to date or to understand how viral evolution works—just bring an open mind (and something to take notes on!) and the rest will flow.
• I strive to be your cheerleader, not your judge. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and curiosities with me or other lab members. “I don’t know,” is one of the most powerful statements you can share with lab members.
• I have an open-door policy for research trainees. If you have a burning question, need help, or need a chat simply knock on my door or shoot me a quick text message.
• Lastly, I will make every attempt to ensure your development and success while at Elon and beyond. Take advantage of any opportunities I share (e.g., recommended seminars, online training certificates, networking, etc.) to give yourself the best chance to become a well rounded scientist.