My lab environment is very relaxed. People play music, make jokes, go to happy hour. Everyone is on a first name basis. The projects are all very exploratory, rather than results based. The biggest shock for me has been the lab meeting. The presentation was silly, but informative (there were Care Bears involved). There were donuts and beer. The PI made jokes with the presenter. Even when people criticized part of the research, it was a friendly "you ought to try this" sort of criticism.
This is in such stark contrast to my previous lab experience. Lab meetings were where you presented your research while the PI glared at you. Him saying nothng meant you did a great job. There was no noise except for the presenter. Even in the lab, this tense environment continued. People weren't really friends with each other. Everyone worked on their own project in their own corner. The only sounds were the low hum of running equipment, the quiet clalking of keys and occasional whispers between people.
I am quite excited for the summer. Even if my research sucks, at least I'll have a good time.
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