In this lab, we believe that science is real, love is love, black lives matter, feminism is for everyone, immigrants are welcome, and worms are cool.
(This poster is a courtesy of Sammy Katta. Visit the following link to learn more about Sammy this poster and how you can further support these values)
In an interview with Bill Moyers in 1990’s “A writer’s work”, Toni Morrison speaks of an innate imperative to touch the lives of those around us. As scientists, we are privileged with knowledge. Therefore, our imperative is to guide, counsel and actively partake in the shaping of our world. Teaching the next generation of diverse scientist and leaders of our communities and economies, and the next generation of global citizens, is at the core of our approach to this mission. Whether students will ever choose a scientific career or not, they will leave the lab more curious and inquisitive, with the ability to use current and future scientific knowledge to make reasoned decisions that affect their lives and their communities both locally and globally.
To achieve this mission our goals in the Vieux Lab are three-fold:
- Our first goal to democratize access to scientific knowledge and experiences i) by preserving the integrity of the scientific method and ensuring the transparency of our science; ii) by engaging in conversations with the public at-large to disseminate our knowledge and work; iii) by investing time and effort to create scientific opportunities for under-represented groups here at WPI, and in marginalized communities.
- Our second goal is to enhance scientific literacy; students should leave a tenure in the Vieux lab with a solid grasp of core cellular, molecular and organismal biological principles as well as an appreciation for previous pivotal studies and current, trailblazing initiatives.
- Our third and final goal is to promote students’ critical thinking and self-learning skills and equip them with tools and knowledge to understand the complexities of their bodies and the world around them – assets they can carry over to both their personal and professional lives.