ZEAL Handbook
The lab handbook includes information about the lab’s basic principles, my expectations of you (and what you can expect from me), how the lab functions, and other useful topics. I expect you to read through the handbook carefully and think about how it reflects the ways our research group works.
About this handbook
Metadata
| Maintained by | Matt Sasaki, with input from all lab members |
| Review schedule | Every year, at the end of the summer, before the fall semester starts |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-12 |
| Major changes since last review | Major overhaul of handbook structure |
I maintain the handbook, but it should reflect the input of everyone in the lab. Older versions are kept in the website’s GitHub history.
Why and how we use this handbook
The handbook is for everyone in the lab: undergraduates, graduate students, and anyone else working with us. It describes how the lab works and what we expect of each other, so that everyone starts from the same place.
Read it before you start. New lab members should read the entire handbook before starting in the lab. The first seven sections are the most important to read carefully:
- About this handbook (this page)
- About the Lab
- Lab Space and Key Contacts
- Lab Philosophy
- AI Statement
- Onboarding
- Expectations
The remaining sections can be read as they become relevant to you. Undergraduates, for example, will get the most out of Undergraduate Research, and graduate students out of Graduate Research.
Review it every year. Everyone in the lab should look back over the handbook each year at the end of the summer, alongside our annual handbook review meeting.
How it fits with other policies. The handbook is meant to be aligned with Department of Biological Sciences and UMass Lowell policies, and with the requirements of your academic program. If you ever notice something that seems to conflict, let me know so we can sort it out and fix the handbook.
Making updates, changes, and additions
This is a living document and your input on additions, clarifications, modifications, etc. are very much appreciated!
There are two ways to suggest a change:
- Any time: send me a message on Slack.
- Once a year: bring it up at the annual handbook review meeting at the end of the summer.
To keep things simple, I’ll make the edits to the handbook files myself, rather than having lab members edit them directly. Major changes will be announced on Slack, at lab meeting, and/or at the handbook review meeting.
Sections
About the lab
About the Lab · Lab Space and Key Contacts · Lab Philosophy · AI Statement
Joining and being in the lab
Onboarding · Expectations · Scheduling and Communication · Undergraduate Research · Graduate Research
Doing the work
Working in the Lab · Equipment List · Media Calculator · Writing · Presentations · Templates
Leaving the lab
Off-boarding