The mission of the det-lab is to move science forward for everyone. Specifically,
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Understand how matter interacts with detectors, furthering fundamental science and the reach of energy research and security monitoring.
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Create software with standard interfaces, democritizing who can take data and who can analyze that data.
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Strive to create an inclusive space where everyone can contribute to this research.
This code of conduct is intended to help new and continuing lab members build a space that allows them to work in comfort while being themselves.
This document is meant to be a living document. If you’d like to see changes, clarify something, or discuss something, please feel free to contact me or bring this up as a topic during a group meeting.
We all make mistakes. If you’ve made a mistake, apologize and educate yourself so you’re less likely to make the same mistake again.
Firing is reserved for individuals who show clear disregard for contributing to a positive work environment or who have a pattern of making an uncomfortable work environment.
A critical part of success in research is being comfortable being confused and asking questions.
Because there’s often pressure to know everything, it’s easy to be mean to yourself and to others when doing research. Please review these guidelines used by the Recurse Center to promote useful group interactions: https://www.recurse.com/social-rules.
If you’re wondering whether you belong in the lab, I recommend talking to me, others in the lab, and looking into resources on imposter syndrome. Feeling inadequate doesn’t usually go away on its own, and there are good strategies out there for getting this brain bug to leave you alone.
You are always welcome to ask me how you’re doing, what you’re doing well, and what I think you should improve.
In the det-lab, we work with computers and the main hazard is repetetive stress injury. Wear whatever clothing you are most comfortable in.
The only additional requirement is that clothing shouldn’t go against the university’s policy of creating a welcoming environment. Here are some specific guidelines for the lab.
- Clothing indicating support for a group whose mission is fundamentally supportive
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Totally fine.
- Clothing indicating support for a hate group, as designated by e.g. the Southern Poverty Law Center
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Not okay.
- Clothing indicating negative feelings for a group of people
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Not okay. An example of this is the "Blue Lives Matter" slogan. Police lives absolutely matter, but this slogan is specifically a reaction to the "Black Lives Matter" movement and as such is not appropriate for the lab.
- Clothing indicating support for the Republican/Democrat/Green/Etc. party
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Totally fine. But please realize that I don’t like to talk about politics - with anyone. Except for supreme court opinions that involve mathematician testimony.
Jokes that reference groups of individuals (by race, gender, etc.) are almost never appropriate. Just say no.
Anyone looking for guidance on how to not be creepy is welcome to talk to me. The best general-purpose advice I’ve found so far is:
Would you be comfortable saying that to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson? If so, you’re probably okay. If not, maybe reconsider.
(Insert your intimidating, no-nonesense hero of choice.)