Philosophy

The science we do and the community we foster are centered around a core mission with clear expectations for all members of our team. We believe good science requires many perspectives, transparent communication, and creative curiosity. We enthusiastically commit ourselves to our research and each other—and having some fun along the way!

The Cai Lab Mission

We ask—and endeavor to answer—fundamental questions about how memories are stored in the brain. To fill critical gaps in knowledge and have an enduring impact on the field, together we:

  • Seek the most creative solutions in the context of rigorous experimentation

  • Welcome diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives

  • Integrate converging and emerging approaches

  • Synthesize and synergize to devise new solutions

  • Openly share our tools, processes, and data

Expectations of all lab members

Kindness, respect, and a collaborative spirit are core values of the Cai Lab. I expect everyone to bring a desire to participate in team science while recognizing our unique strengths and skills as individuals. Everyone is expected at all times to exhibit integrity and to maintain the highest ethical standards. I expect us – individually and together – to strive for rigor in our work and to support each other, as well, in thinking creatively and unconventionally.

I expect you to work hard and to demonstrate a commitment to your projects and the lab. We will work with focus and intensity, but I expect us to keep the atmosphere of our lab both productive and fun. I expect you to encourage and support everyone in the lab, and also to make sure you that have the support and resources you need to do your best science.

I expect everyone to comply with lab polices (as detailed in our internal Lab Manual) about schedules, participation in lab meetings, protocols, safety, technical issues, use of lab funds, and lab logistics.

To “work smart” and be productive, we must take care of ourselves and each other. I expect you to think clearly about what you need to maintain a healthy “work/life balance” so that you can enjoy and benefit from your time in the Cai Lab.

I expect everyone to take advantage of the many opportunities at Mount Sinai to learn about brain research beyond the work of our lab.

Expectations of…

Postdocs

I invite postdocs to join us who have the potential to excel and become leaders in the field. I expect you to bring a strong skillset that aligns with the goals of our lab, while offering something distinctive. I expect you to create a vision for your research. During your time in the Cai Lab, you will continue to refine this vision and to carve out a unique space for yourself in your scientific career (in or out of academia). My goal is to help you realize this vision and accomplish your goals.

You will lead a rigorous in-depth project from conceptualization through the dissemination of results. I expect you to answer a fundamental question intended to fill a gap in the literature. You should aim to achieve both conceptual and technical advances in the field, develop skills as a mentor, and demonstrate confidence in communicating your science.

Graduate Students

Ask a lot of questions, even questions about how to ask questions! I don’t expect you to bring any skills, but I do expect you to be curious and enthusiastic. I expect you to identify areas in which you need help and would like to grow to develop both new conceptual and technical skills.

You will be expected to identify a gap in the field and to participate in a rigorous research project to fill this gap. I expect you to demonstrate persistence and focus and to learn how to complete a project through publication.

I expect you to collaborate with each other, to learn from other lab members and from me, and to be honest with us about how we can help you achieve your goals.

Research Associates

You will bring enthusiasm, an interest in our science, and an appreciation for the nature of this position as playing a supportive role. I do not expect you to bring any skills but to be open to learning what is needed to manage the logistics of the lab and/or on the research projects to which you are assigned.

You are not expected or required to conduct an independent research project, but you are encouraged and welcome to do so. You can be mentored by me or by someone else in the lab in this work, and I will help ensure that you have the support and resources for your project.

Expectations of Denise

There are many ways to do science and to be a scientist. I do not expect everyone in the Cai Lab to follow the same career trajectory. While I expect all of us to share common goals for the lab, you can expect me to be supportive of whatever career path you would like to pursue, in or outside of academia.

My goal is to help guide you to identify and refine your research questions, provide honest and constructive feedback, and give you the freedom—and the resources—to explore. I understand that not everyone needs the same type of mentoring and that mentoring needs may change over time. I will be available to meet in person with everyone individually weekly and to adjust this schedule, as needed.

You can expect me to amplify your work. I will ensure that you have opportunities to co-author papers and present posters at conferences. You can expect me to nominate you for awards, help provide support to apply for grants, and provide resources and opportunities to develop presentation skills.

I will help you develop both “hard skills” (such as grant writing) and “soft skills” (such as professional networking) to support your professional development either with resources here at Mount Sinai or through opportunities at other institutions.

Our lab is part of an exciting and dynamic community of brain researchers at Mount Sinai. You can expect me to promote and support collaborations and opportunities to engage with our colleagues across the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and the Friedman Brain Institute and to help you network in the broader scientific community.

We also have a lot of fun