Types of Lab Mates: No Choice in Selection.
In academic life, lab mates are integral to one’s journey. They come in various forms, each with unique strengths and quirks, which contribute to the diverse dynamics of a research team. However, unlike many other aspects of academic life where one has the autonomy to choose, lab mates are not a selection we can make. It’s a random assortment, and this lack of choice is often both a blessing and a challenge. While it might result in unexpected, invaluable collaborations and friendships, it can lead to inevitable conflicts and personality clashes. It is like academic powers that be decided to add a little extra excitement to our already thrilling graduate school experience.
Throughout my academic journey, I had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse individuals in the lab, each bringing their unique archetype to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the individuals I encountered along the way.
1. Those seeking constant approval!
The riskiest lab mates are those whose entire world revolves around the lab. Their happiness is directly tied to the approval they receive from their advisor, making it a source of great joy or immense frustration for their peers. They go to great lengths to secure this approval, perhaps filling a void left by a lack of parental affirmation.
2. Those who talk about your work with everyone but you.
Those consistently engage in discussions about your work with others, yet they seem to avoid any direct communication with you regarding it. Curiously, they always seem ready to express their opinions on any topic that comes up in your presence but curiously never choose to share their insights with the one who is the central figure in the discussion.
3. The perpetual complainer!
This particular individual is a perpetual source of discontent, seemingly finding fault in almost every aspect of the lab, advisor, colleagues, and the list goes on. Being in their company for even a short coffee break can be overwhelming, as their complaints about everything and the kitchen sink dominate the conversation. Their negativity surrounds you and makes it difficult to regain the motivation to work effectively in the lab.
4. The tonguester!
In the labs, there’s always that one person known as the “tonguester.” They seem to possess an uncanny ability to acquire and share information, often in hushed tones and behind closed doors. Their conversations are laden with intriguing tidbits, the latest office whispers, or juicy details about ongoing experiments. While their penchant for gossip might occasionally pique curiosity, it’s essential to navigate the lab environment with a healthy dose of discretion and focus on the science at hand.
5. The solitary lab worker.
This individual can be described as the quintessential “lone wolf” of the lab. They primarily visit the lab to carry out their assigned tasks diligently, and experiments, often showing little social interaction with their peers. While their dedication to their work is nice, they tend to maintain a self-imposed isolation, missing out on the collaborative and social aspects that often thrive in the lab environment.
6. The conditional helper!
Those are driven by a specific and self-interested motive when it comes to offering help with your work. They are willing to help, but the condition attached to it is that they must receive authorship credit in your article. It’s a transactional approach to collaboration, and their willingness to contribute is directly tied to being acknowledged as a co-author. This behavior can sometimes raise ethical questions about the true intent behind their assistance and the collaborative spirit in a research or academic setting.
7. The supportive motivator.
The ones are an indispensable cornerstone in your academic journey, consistently providing unwavering support, encouragement, and motivation. They are the voice of belief and positivity in your scholarly pursuits, offering not just words but also actions that drive you to excel. Whether it’s lending a sympathetic ear during challenging times, sharing valuable insights, or celebrating your achievements, their impact on your academic life is immeasurable. They serve as a guiding light, ensuring you stay on track and remain resilient in the face of academic challenges, making them a vital source of inspiration in your educational endeavors. If you have one next to you while pursuing a PhD or master’s, you should feel lucky.
We grad students survive on coffee. If you want to support me, you can always buy me one.
