Individualized training, intellectual independence
My role as a mentor is not simply to provide answers, but to help trainees develop the confidence and skills to ask important questions and become independent researchers.
How training works in the Hayes Lab
My teaching and mentoring philosophy is centered on individualized training, intellectual independence, and creating a supportive environment where trainees are challenged to grow.
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I believe trainees learn best when they are given meaningful ownership of their work while receiving the structure, feedback, and resources needed to succeed. My role as a mentor is therefore not simply to provide answers, but to help trainees develop the confidence and skills to ask important questions, make thoughtful scientific decisions, and ultimately become independent researchers.
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​Within the Hayes Lab, mentorship is tailored to each trainee’s career stage, goals, strengths, and areas for development. Trainees are actively involved in hypothesis development, study design, data analysis and interpretation, scientific writing, presentations, and collaborative team science. I use structured guidance and iterative feedback early in training, with increasing independence as trainees develop their skills. The goal is for each trainee to progress from learning how research is conducted to taking intellectual ownership of their own scientific questions and projects.
THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM
Making academia’s unwritten rules explicit
I also believe that effective scientific mentorship extends beyond the research itself. An important part of my approach is making the “hidden curriculum” of academia explicit, including grant and fellowship writing, scientific communication, networking, career planning, and navigating academic and non-academic career opportunities. Trainees are encouraged to take intellectual risks, ask questions, and view mistakes as part of the learning process rather than something to avoid.
THE GOAL
Scientists who are independent thinkers
Ultimately, my goal is to develop scientists who are not only technically strong, but also independent thinkers, effective communicators, thoughtful collaborators, and confident advocates for their own careers. I want trainees to leave the Hayes Lab with a strong scientific foundation, meaningful scholarly products, and the skills necessary to successfully pursue the next stage of their careers.
Individualized training contract
All members of the Hayes Lab are required to complete an Individualized Contract that clearly defines their expected contributions, responsibilities, and short- and long-term goals within the laboratory. Please refer to the provided template for guidance when completing your individualized outline.
