Our core values

Who are we? We are a diverse mix of undergraduate researchers, postbac students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants from around the world working with Dr. Rose Hill to understand the fundamental question of how the nervous system regulates organ physiology. Aside from Rose, our time in the lab is usually temporary and seen as a steppingstone to the next step, whether that is a Ph.D. program, medical school, biotech/pharma industry, consulting, government/civil service, advocacy, an academic postdoc, starting a family, or an independent faculty position. What we share is a love of science and mutual respect.

What do we do? Our primary goal is to perform original, impactful basic research in neuroscience and physiology and to share our findings for the betterment of society. We also have a duty to our primary funders, the people of the United States of America and the state of Oregon, to publish rigorous peer-reviewed research for the benefit of society. This is one of several important ways that academic scientists build trust with the public. We study the neural mechanisms of homeostasis and organ physiology in health and disease. We treat all lab members and research subjects with the utmost care and respect, not because we are told to do so, but because it is the right thing to do. In this lab, our core values are Transparency, Kindness, Adaptability, and Teamwork. These values should be considered in everything we do, from starting an exciting new research project to interacting with your neighbors.

Transparency: We are honest and open in our science and in our interpersonal communication, even (and especially) when we make mistakes.

Kindness: We treat each other with dignity, respect, and understanding. We think about how our words and actions affect others before we speak or act. We are good lab citizens who uphold our commitments, clean up after ourselves, and respect our OHSU community. We never assume the worst.

Adaptability: We embrace change and avoid rigid thinking. Science demands that we update our views based on the available data. Uncertainty is inherent to academic science, whether that be the error on a dataset or the uncertainty of funding and publication processes. We take risks and chances where appropriate and seize opportunities as they arise. We don’t take it personally when we are re-tasked on a project.

Teamwork: We are all in this together. Our individual actions affect the whole group. We celebrate each other’s wins as if they were our own. We are not in competition with one another, and there are enough exciting projects for everyone. We are clear and communicative in our collaborations within and outside of the lab. We help each other whenever we can, and communicate when we cannot.