We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive training environment in the laboratory, and actively participate in recruitment of underrepresented individuals with the goal of increasing diversity not just in our current workplace, but also prospective institutional, clinical, and leadership positions. We directly advocate for those with less access to opportunities because we firmly believe those with different lived experiences enrich our community and lead to more well-rounded collaborative research. We have been privileged to train and mentor those from first generation, Black, Native American, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and rural backgrounds. We provide space for open discussions about the benefits of having a diverse team with a commitment to maintaining a respectful environment where everyone’s thoughts, opinions, viewpoints, and ideas are heard and every team member is given the opportunity to succeed.

We are devoted to conducting research with scholarly integrity and high ethical standards. All of our grant applications, research projects, and data are produced with the utmost rigor and accountability -- clarity, transparency, reliability, and reproducibility are at the forefront of everything we do. Any research misconduct is not tolerated. We are committed to upholding our high standards and providing a positive example for our peers.

We regularly collaborate with other labs in our own division, as well as neighboring divisions within CCHMC and outside institutions within the US. We enjoy sharing data, engaging with projects outside of our own work, and networking with others. We believe collaboration strengthens research by exchanging perspectives, encouraging creativity and innovative problem solving, and driving discovery.

One of our lab’s foundational pillars is mentorship. We strive to cultivate a supportive environment for our trainees so that they can reach their greatest potential. Our mentorship opportunities include attending department seminars, bi-weekly journal club, practice presentations, peer-to-peer discussions/collaboration, and weekly one-on-one meetings with Dr. Zacharias. These activities are designed to equip our trainees with the skills necessary to understand and use the latest cutting-edge techniques in the field. Through this comprehensive lab experience, we hope to inspire our trainees and help them succeed beyond our lab.

We seek to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, trainees, and staff at all times. Our safety protocols are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. By proactively monitoring and continuously evaluating our safety practices, we are able to provide a secure environment for everyone in our lab and institution.