Chapter 3 Join the Lab

3.1 Code of Conduct

The Yu Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment where all members can thrive. Every individual in the lab is expected to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their role, background, or identity. Collaboration and open communication are central to our work, and all members are encouraged to share ideas and respectfully challenge one another in the pursuit of scientific excellence.We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, microaggression, or any behavior that undermines the lab’s inclusiveness.

We uphold the highest standards of integrity in research. All lab members are expected to conduct experiments responsibly, report data honestly, and adhere to ethical guidelines. Data fabrication or manipulation will not be tolerated, as maintaining transparency and accuracy in research is critical to scientific progress.

3.2 Training You Can Expect

3.2.1 Chemical Biology

The lab’s focus on developing new chemical tools to probe biological systems, particularly in understanding protein functions and interactions, will provide trainees with a deep understanding of how chemistry can be harnessed to solve biological problems. Beyond basic research, trainees can also expect to apply chemical biology in drug discovery.

3.2.2 Bioinformatics

Given the importance of integrating chemistry with computational biology, trainees will receive training in using bioinformatics tools to analyze large omics data. This includes standard software for mass spectrometry data analysis and more advanced data analysis programming language (e.g., R, C#).

3.2.3 Proteomics

Trainees will gain hands-on experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, which is central to the lab’s research. Trainees will also have opportunities to create novel platforms via programming/modifying a million-dollar mass spectrometer.

3.2.4 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Trainees will also engage in foundational training in biochemistry and molecular biology. This includes understanding metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics, and the molecular mechanisms of gene expression. Such knowledge will enable trainees to appreciate the biochemical context of their research and the interactions between various biomolecules within cellular systems.

3.3 Literature to Warm Up

3.3.1 Getting started

When just starting off in the lab, I encourage you to read the papers below and to check out resources such as the NCQBCS Mass Spec Summer School videos:
https://www.ncqbcs.com/resources/training/summer-school/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0v4sjdXLMa-OWR7IYeoFoA