Lab Values and Philosophy

• We value thoughtfulness and accuracy over the speed of the research process, as we aim to produce knowledge that clearly advances our understanding of individuals and enhances people’s well-being. The research process of our projects is expected to involve substantial thoughts, considerations, and discussions, and we re-run the full set of analyses before submitting a manuscript.
• We value scientific discussions and openness to different opinions, which are vital to improving our work and making the research process much more fun! We conduct biweekly lab meetings where each lab member takes turns to present their research progress. Other lab members provide relevant ideas, respectful and constructive feedback, alternative approaches, and theoretical insights on data interpretation to improve the presenter’s work. We also conduct weekly or biweekly one-on-one meetings between the PI and each lab member to discuss research. Rather than progress-checking or one-sided instruction, this is the time for scientific discussion to refine research design, discuss ways to solve problems during data analysis, interpret data through multiple perspectives, and situate our findings within the literature and real-world contexts. Moreover, discussions among lab members are highly encouraged. We have a big table at the center of the lab offices that is designed to facilitate discussions!
• We value intellectual stimulation and innovation. We conduct a monthly journal club, and each lab member takes turns to present articles in social/affective/developmental neuroscience or psychology. Each lab member is expected to suggest three strengths and weaknesses of each paper (and what they would do differently) and one research idea that comes up with while reading an article. The continued and thorough reading of other researchers’ high-quality papers helps promote each lab member’s critical thinking ability and creativity and the lab’s ability to innovate in the long run.
• We value challenge and growth. Our lab continues to grow as we challenge to find and solve novel and important questions and adopt new techniques as required. We support each lab member’s growth by providing opportunities to challenge a complex task, learn new techniques, gain skills aligned with their scientific and career goals, and write fellowships/career development grants. The PI also continues to grow as a mentor and leader by receiving feedback from lab members regarding lab environments and attending mentorship/leadership workshops. 
• We value respect and inclusiveness. We expect each lab member to treat each other respectfully (e.g., no exclusion, no disrespectful words), and gossip between the lab members targeting another lab member is not permitted. We are careful not to implicitly exclude any lab member by isolating someone from conversation. 
• We value cooperation and collaboration. Due to the highly interdisciplinary nature of our research area, I expect our lab members would have different backgrounds and interests, such as cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, mental health, computer science, education, human development, psychiatry, and so on, which would be an ideal setting for creative idea generation and problem-solving. Collaboration on a project is highly encouraged within the lab, and authorship will be clearly communicated at the project’s initial phase. The lab will also interact with other labs at CVL and UT Dallas to generate exciting research directions, such as understanding human development through cultural neuroscience lenses, conducting lifespan neuroscience research from childhood to older adulthood, applying insights from memory development research to adolescent rumination, and testing the effects of clinical intervention targeting maladaptive cognitions on brain functions. We also aim to actively enter into collaborations with researchers at other institutions across the globe to pursue impactful research. 
• We value a fun and friendly atmosphere. We hope your time in our lab will be a time for learning, achievement, and scientific contribution as well as a time of fun, friendship, and social connection. Having occasional happy hours is highly encouraged (we have a break room!), and we also have a regular lab dinner!