Last day in Meren Lab

May 31st was my last day at Meren's Lab. These two years passed by in a blink of an eye, while at times, it seemed like the passing of time slowed down to a halt! I learnt a lot of skills in terms of metagenomics, computing language, DNA sequencing, and writing too! Besides all these tangible skills, lessons that I am taking with me along my journey:

• Tell someone what is on your mind; early and often. No one (except probably your spouse) can read what's on your mind
• Give praise as much as you can. Everyone needs encouragement - we got too many negative comments and feedback already in our daily life
• Give constructive feedbacks. It is no use to anyone to tell them they are no good in something if you cannot tell them how they can improve
• Be friendly to everyone
• Plan with a timeline in mind. Plans are no use if they do not have a dateline - we will procrastinate
• Dress what you want to be, not what you are
• Be specific in your goals (for yourself and others), and highlight the tools available to help them achieve their goals
• Ask questions, and ask more questions
• Teach and learn
• Have fun

We had a lab dinner last night at Snail Thai @ Hyde Park. Starting June 1st, I will be joining Eugene Chang (http://changlab.uchicago.edu/) lab. Physically, I am still located in the same building, on the same floor, but there will be a change in study topic. I am still discussing with Gene on what should be my personal research topic, but I will be working closely with the other lab members as well on their work. I am excited to start this new role in Gene's lab - and there are a couple of new skills and knowledge I personally would love to pick up this year. I want to:

• refine my microbiology benchwork skills
• refine my computational skills
• learn mouse work
• learn metabolomics work and analyses