Bigger Not Always Better
09/11/10 15:09 Filed in: GenomeWeb Daily Scan
Submitted by S. Pelech - Kinexus on Tue, 11/09/2010 - 15:09.
Massimo Boninsegni is quite correct about training in very large lab groups. In addition to the points raised above, lab politics can be very problematic as some individuals will perform very well, but many will do poorly. In these sink or swim lab groups, the principal investigator is just too busy to attend to the needs of each trainee. Jealousies and perceived favoritism can create a poisonous atmosphere that is counter-productive.
At the same time, however, if the lab group is too small and the research program underfunded, the training experience can also be a disaster. This is especially challenging for trainees working with new investigators. It is extremely important to do one's homework when considering where to pursue one's graduate research training, which can take half a decade or more.
Link to the original blog post.
Massimo Boninsegni is quite correct about training in very large lab groups. In addition to the points raised above, lab politics can be very problematic as some individuals will perform very well, but many will do poorly. In these sink or swim lab groups, the principal investigator is just too busy to attend to the needs of each trainee. Jealousies and perceived favoritism can create a poisonous atmosphere that is counter-productive.
At the same time, however, if the lab group is too small and the research program underfunded, the training experience can also be a disaster. This is especially challenging for trainees working with new investigators. It is extremely important to do one's homework when considering where to pursue one's graduate research training, which can take half a decade or more.
Link to the original blog post.