SAFE Labs

OttLab_2025: We conduct annual lab-wide feedback at our retreat. We discuss what is working well and what needs improvement and set up working groups to address challenges we can improve in the lab.

ReinhardLab_2025: We currently do not hold annual lab-wide feedback sessions. Lab members will be regularly asked if this format is deemed useful. If yes, it’ll be implemented in the future.

INSIGHTLab_2026: The first lab meeting of the academic year devotes time to lab-wide feedback sessions.

CoenLab_2025: Annual lab-wide feedback takes place at the Lab Retreat. As the size of the lab changes, and we learn from experience at past retreats, the exact method of collecting feedback and reporting the result will evolve with time. However, in each case, there will we a post-feedback summary recorded for posterity so that any repeating themes or recurring issues can be transparently highlighted. Pip will also record any changes that he intends to implement, along with any suggestions that he will not (or only partially) implement, along with the reasoning behind these decisions.

These records can be found below:

AeryJonesLab_2026:

• Every January, I give a “state of the lab” talk to be transparent about how and why I make decisions and to give a primer on managing a lab. In this talk, I’ll share the past and future years’ strategies for spending, grants, hiring, publishing, and other activities. We’ll celebrate our lab’s accomplishments and set our sights on the next chapter.
• Every December, we assess the state of the lab through an anonymous culture survey to be completed by every lab member. This is an opportunity for you to give me feedback and to shape the lab culture. I present the results, solicit ideas for improvement next year, and follow-up on what suggestions are implemented and by whom.

MsEELab_2026: At the start of every academic term, MsEE Lab holds a “State of the Lab” meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to assess how the lab’s actions align with its goals and how its goals align with its guiding principles, and to adjust actions and/or goals accordingly.

In preparation for this meeting, Pablo discusses the state of each research project with all lab members involved. The lab members involved in a paper then create one slide summarizing its status. Additionally, members of the lab fill out an online survey providing feedback on the lab’s management and Pablo’s mentorship.

A number of things happen during the meeting itself:

1. Pablo presents the lab’s guiding principles, five-year goals, and general one-year goals (~5 min).
2. Lab members present a quick overview of research projects ongoing in the lab with their goals for the upcoming year. Plans for changes in current projects or potential new lines of work are presented (~10 min).
3. Pablo presents the lab’s current funding status, expenses, and potential changes in personnel for the upcoming term (~5 min). Feedback received in the survey that pertains to this topic is included.
4. The lab discusses alignment between guiding principles, goals, projects, funding, and other activities (~15 min).
5. Pablo reviews any action items from the previous State of the Lab meeting regarding lab management and mentorship practices, and presents the aggregated feedback received in the survey (~10 min).
6. The lab discusses potential improvements on lab management and mentorship practices, including changes to the MsEE Lab Handbook, and defines action items to be pursued next (~15 min).

Notes and results of this meeting are communicated in writing to all lab members by Pablo.