The AMMS Lab Playbook
Las updated: Fall 2024
Welcome to the Advanced Materials and Mechanical Systems Laboratory (AMMS Lab) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTSA! I am genuinely excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to supporting your growth—both academically and professionally. My goal is to help you thrive, offering guidance and opportunities along the way.
The text below outlines some important policies and expectations to ensure we can collaborate effectively as a team. I encourage you to read it carefully, and if anything is unclear or you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always open to discussing how we can make your experience here the best it can be!
1 Communication is Key!
I'm here to support you, but I can only do that if you keep me updated. So don't hesitate to speak up and let me know what's happening —we're a team!
2 Stay in Touch and Ask for Help!
Keep me posted on your progress, and let me know how I can support you. Whether it's feedback, resources, or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for what you need.
3 Bring Your Best Self
I believe in your creativity, hard work, and honesty. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas—failures are just steps toward success, and I'm here to help you learn from them.
4 Be a Great Lab Citizen
Our lab is a shared space with shared resources, so let’s work together to keep it organized and running smoothly for everyone.
5 Collaborate and Communicate
Whether you’re working within the lab or with others, collaboration is key. Let’s maintain open communication, respect, and trust with one another—it’s the foundation of our success.
6 Enjoy Flexibility, but Stay Connected!
Flexible hours are great, but being present during regular work hours helps keep us connected and aligned. Most academic activities happen during these hours, so being around when others are is important.
7 Plan Ahead for Vacation Time
Let me know early if you're planning a vacation so we can avoid any conflicts with deadlines or presentations. Communication makes everything smoother!
8 Check in Before Taking on New Projects
If you're considering outside projects, please check in with me first. This helps ensure we’re aligned and avoids conflicts with your research bandwidth.
9 Stay on Top of Program Deadlines
While I’m always here to guide you, it’s important for you to keep track of your own graduate program milestones and deadlines. Let’s work together to keep everything on track!
10 Weekly Check-ins Help Us Stay on Track
We’ll have weekly meetings to discuss your progress. These regular updates help ensure that we’re aligned and moving in the right direction. If a meeting is canceled, no worries! Just send me your update slides.
11 Use the Weekly Meeting Template
For our weekly meetings, please use the provided slide template and share any papers you’d like to discuss at least two days in advance. This keeps things organized and efficient!
12 Keep a Lab Notebook for Your Ideas
Document your ideas and work in a lab notebook (I can give you one if needed). It’s important to keep a detailed, signed, and dated record of your work. The notebook stays with the lab, but you’re welcome to make copies!
13 Write Down Your Ideas in Proposal Form
Jotting down your ideas in proposal format helps organize your thoughts and gives us a starting point for discussions, fellowship applications, or your thesis.
14 Stay Current with Literature
Keep up with the latest research in your field! Make use of Google Scholar and set alerts for new papers. A well-organized reference manager will help you stay on top of the literature.
15 Safety First!
Always follow safety protocols. If you’re unsure, reach out to the safety team or consult the Environmental Health and Safety office. Keeping our lab safe is a top priority!
16 Publish and Present Your Work
Let’s look for opportunities to share your research at conferences and in publications. Talk to me about potential venues—we’ll work together to get your research out there!
17 Look for Fellowships and Honors
Keep an eye out for fellowships and opportunities, and let me know if you're interested in applying. I’m happy to help support your applications!
18 Mentor Other Lab Members
Before you move on, you’ll help train new group members to continue your projects. This is a valuable experience for your career, and I’ll gladly support you with recommendation letters based on your teamwork.
19 Back-Up Your Data
Make sure to back up your data weekly. If you need a hard drive or help with this, just let me know!
20 Stay on Top of Tuition Support
If you’re receiving tuition support, it’s your responsibility to manage the process and avoid late fees. Please let me know if you need any assistance with this.