Research is an inherently resource heavy, energy intensive, and expensive endeavor. Many institutional-level staff, infrastructure, services, and systems exist to support the enterprise because a researcher's top priority is to pursue the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding while striving for excellence in their methods and results.
When a student starts their graduate work in a new lab, they quickly learn "This is how we do things here." Naturally, social norms are followed, they learn how the lab operates, and they copy the daily practices of fellow group members. In the process, they gain skills, habits, and ways of thinking that will go with them into their future careers within industry or academia, as well as their home life.
Recognizing the large impact of research operations on resources, systems, finances, and the environment - both in real time and over the entire lifetime of a scientist - it makes sense that the graduate student experience and professional skill set should include reviewing and understanding their lab's operational structure, their role within it, and its connections to the world around it. Knowing how to mindfully maximize research quality and output while minimizing negative impacts and costs is a valued skill. Having the ability to review and improve operations is a tremendous professional asset for problem solving and advancement any workplace, and a trait for which scientists should be role models and leaders.
As a result, the Center initiated a programmatic opportunity in 2021 for students to learn and practice how to get "smart" about lab operations. Partnering with staff who now reside within the Office of Physical Plant, the program is framed around a nationally recognized certification program utilized by both industry and academia that reviews 14 categories of standard lab operations. The certification is reviewed, verified, and awarded by a third-party entity called Impact Laboratories. Further, each lab has the option of being assisted by a paid undergraduate student lab consultant (SLC) who is trained in efficient and sustainable lab operations.
For a full list of certified labs since the program's inception (~25 per year), click here. After piloting the SLC program with 5 students in 2022-23, approximately 15 SLCs have been paired annually with a participating lab. Starting in 2024-25, two SLCs per year have been invited to return as "Senior" SLCs (SSLCs) who serve as peer mentors and program assistants.
For more info or if you have questions, contact Kristin Dreyer.
