Lab Rotations

Selecting a lab is the most important decision you’ll have during your PhD.

Exploring Research Opportunities

When starting grad school, it’s easy to focus on a specific disease or organ system that initially interests you. However, being open to exploring diverse research areas can lead to unexpected discoveries, broaden your skill set, and help you identify a lab/mentor better suited for your future goals. Many techniques and approaches are transferable across fields, and trying different areas might uncover passions you didn’t know you had.

Selecting Rotation Mentors

During your initial lab rotations, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with esteemed faculty members across diverse research domains. This experience will help you identify potential research mentors for your doctoral studies.

A few tips on how to find a good rotation mentor:

Select a PI to rotate with who can either help you gain skills that will help you in another lab or a PI who has explicitly stated they are taking on more students and have the funding to do so.
Always ask students in later years (2nd years and upwards) about the reputation of the PI.
If there are more negative than positive reviews of the PI, it is likely best to AVOID.
- Labs that have toxic cultures very rarely suddenly change or change because of a new student.
Use UAB Scholars to search for faculty members and their research interests. You can also find out students they mentor, have mentored, or serve on the committee of via the “Teaching & Mentoring” tab.

Engaging in Rotations

Lab rotations provide a hands-on experience in different research labs. This exposure allows you to learn various research methodologies, understand lab dynamics, and explore potential research projects.

A few tips on how to make the most of your rotation:

Take notes about your rotation and note how you feel each day
Try to get to know the people in the lab so you can learn as much about what it’s like to be in the lab and whether you would want to be around those people for the next 4-5 years
Ask as many questions as you can about the lab and mentor:
- Do you come to the lab on weekends?
- Do you feel pressure to work a lot of hours?
- How many hours do you work per week?
- When you feel overwhelmed, do you feel comfortable enough to ask for breaks?
- Are you able to take vacations/time off when you want or need to?
- What is the mentorship style of your mentor?
- Is this lab very hands-on or do I need to be more independent?
- What skills should I have before joining this lab?
- Do you feel supported as a student, researcher, or post-doc?
- Are you encouraged to attend seminars or be involved on campus?
- How early do people typically come into the lab and are there any core lab working hours?
- How often does the lab have group meetings or one-on-one meetings with the PI?
- Are there regular social activities or events to build camaraderie among lab members?
- Are lab members encouraged to attend and present at conferences?
- Are there opportunities to learn new techniques or collaborate on projects outside of my immediate focus?
- How long have most students or postdocs stayed in this lab, and what have they gone on to do?

Selecting a Mentor/Lab

After completing your rotations, you’ll need to select a mentor and lab. Below is a priortized list of factors to consider when selecting a mentor/lab:

The below advice has been compiled from current and former grad students to help you make the best decision for your future. We can’t guarantee this advice will work for everyone, but we hope it helps you make an informed choice.

1. Choose a “Healthy” Lab Environment

Avoid labs with toxic dynamics. Talk to current and former lab members or alumni to get the real story.
Your mental health matters. Grad school is challenging enough without adding unnecessary stress from a difficult PI or unhealthy lab culture.

2. Check the Lab’s Funding

Research is expensive. Ask the PI directly about their funding situation to ensure the lab can support your work without constant budget worries.
A well-funded lab means fewer headaches over materials and resources, allowing you to focus on your science.

3. Think About Your Future Career

Ask yourself: Will the skills and techniques I learn here help me get the career I want?
While academic positions are rare, many PhDs find fulfilling roles in government, biotech, or pharma. Make sure your lab prepares you for multiple career paths.

4. Pick a Project You’re Excited About

Passion for your project makes grad school more enjoyable. Plus, your enthusiasm will shine in meetings and conferences.
While it’s not the most important factor, working on something you love can make a huge difference day-to-day.