Meetings and Expectations

The lab uses recurring meetings to coordinate projects, discuss recent work, and stay current with the literature. Members are expected to arrive prepared and to communicate in advance when they cannot attend.

Recurring Schedule

  • Whole-team meeting: Mondays at 1:00 PM in ND11.218.

  • Dean Lab meeting: Mondays at 3:00 PM in ND11.218.

  • Software development meeting: Fridays at 2:00 PM in ND11.124AA.

  • Department WIPs: Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the Faculty Club.

  • One-on-one meetings: typically held weekly on Monday in Kevin’s office (ND11.136D).

The whole-team meeting includes a broader group than the Dean Lab alone.

Whole-Team Meeting

Members are expected to participate in the Monday whole-team meeting. Lab members present their research in this venue on a recurring basis.

Dean Lab Meeting Format

The Monday Dean Lab meeting alternates between:

  • a research discussion hosted by one lab member

  • a rapid-fire literature round that is followed by a deeper paper discussion

Rapid Fire

  • Present a recent paper that is relevant to lab interests.

  • Keep the presentation to roughly two minutes.

  • Focus on the main result and why the paper matters to the group.

  • After the round, the group selects a paper for the next in-depth discussion.

Literature Discussion

Everyone is expected to read the selected paper in full and come prepared with at least two questions. The presenter should address:

  • the main point of the paper

  • the biological question being investigated

  • why the chosen method is suited to that question

  • the main results and conclusions

  • whether the conclusions are supported by the data

  • why the question matters

  • plausible alternative explanations when relevant

Research Discussion

Research discussions are meant to show work in progress. Presenters should:

  • summarize progress since the last update

  • show key data

  • ask focused questions where feedback would be useful

  • outline near-term goals and next steps

One-on-One Meetings

Bring one or two slides that make it easy to discuss:

  • short-term and long-term goals

  • data, analysis, interpretation, and next steps

  • obstacles, delays, and frustrations that are affecting progress

If a figure is intended to mature into a manuscript panel, prepare it using the standards on Figure Preparation before circulation.

General Expectations

  • Be punctual so meetings can start and end on time.

  • If you cannot attend, notify the PI in advance when possible.

  • Come prepared for the meeting format you are scheduled to participate in.