Our Values
Inclusion
Meeting people where they are, and building a lab where every scientist can do their best work.
How We Think About Inclusion
Everyone who walks through our door brings a different set of experiences and ways of seeing a problem. Inclusion here means working out what each person needs in order to do their best work, and then going and getting it — seeing people and creating a space where everyone can do their best work.
We reject the notion that we are all the same. Such a viewpoint diminishes the value of an individual's lived experience. Instead, we celebrate what makes each of us different, and we work to build a lab culture where those differences make our science stronger.
Some lab members need intensive technical training; others need help finding their scientific voice. Some need flexibility in their schedule; others do better with structure. Our job is to listen, work out what support each person needs, and help build it.
Principles in Practice
How Our Values Shape Our Lab
Generous Collaboration
Science is a team sport. We share ideas freely, lift each other up, and build on each other's strengths. In our lab, no one works alone — every new person is paired with an experienced lab member from day one, in small mentoring teams.
Universal Access to Truth
Outstanding scientists come from every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and socioeconomic background. We actively recruit from underrepresented groups and welcome students from all majors and backgrounds.
Curious Humility
The best ideas come from listening. We approach each person with humility, recognizing that everyone has something to teach us. Chris Deppmann teaches Biochemistry to nearly 500 students each year, using creative and accessible methods — from trading cards to podcasts — because learning should meet students where they are.
Mentorship
Growing Scientists at Every Level
We view mentoring as a reciprocal exchange. Trainees are encouraged to challenge existing ideas, rigorously question assumptions, and creatively approach problems. In return, we commit to understanding each person's unique career aspirations and tailoring their training accordingly.
Our lab has trained over 60 undergraduate researchers — many of whom have gone on to MD and MD/PhD programs at institutions like Columbia, Baylor, Washington University, and the University of Washington. We have mentored 21 PhD students across Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Quantitative Neuroscience programs. Our alumni hold positions ranging from tenure-track faculty to industry leadership to science policy at the NIH.
Join Our Community
We welcome scientists from all backgrounds. If you're curious and driven, there's a place for you here.
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