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Starting grad school is overwhelming, and a lot of stuff related to organizing a big multi-year project is just not taught in classes. As such, I wanted to share 15 field/lab/misc research project management tips that I learned (mostly the hard way) over the past 5 years: a 
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1 plan early, check everything. order supplies well ahead of time. test ALL your gear thoroughly before using it. keep gear organized – labelled/stackable bins are nice. take inventory regularly so you don’t run out of supplies AND so you don’t buy things you already have.
2 make a field protocol and keep the info you need in one place (I use a binder with the main protocol in the cover). protocols should have clear, step-by-step instructions, always done in the same order. include hard copies of contacts, directions, maps, manuals, permits, etc.
3 think about how you can make a field data sheet easy to use, with all the info you want recorded. will you always need waterproof paper, or only need a few emergency waterproof data sheets? consider a field note template with items that can be circled/checked.
4 assembling community science/distance sampling kits? make it easy & fun for your helpers. include everything (lab markers/data sheets/gloves/return envelope etc), don’t assume people have items from a previous year. consider adding a small thank-you item (like a bat sticker) https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🦇" title="Fledermaus" aria-label="Emoji: Fledermaus">
5 if you visit many sites repeatedly, optimize your driving route on google maps to save time. notify people before you arrive. try to follow the same route & arrive at similar times/on the same days when possible, and make sure at least one other person knows where you are.
6 your university prob has a vendor contact page for lab supply companies. for any supply-related questions – reach out to them! sometimes kit components (like if you run out of 1 reagent) can also be ordered separately to save $ but you may need to ask for the item # to order
7 a simple label scheme that references metadata is usually best (e.g., instead of project-site-species-date, use a unique identifier linked to meticulously-kept metadata). labels must be correct and readable. don’t label as ABC-1, use ABC-001 or you’ll have spreadsheet problems.
8 storage & organization: think about how much space your samples will need – if you are collecting 100s of samples, 50mL tubes are prob a bad choice. color-coordinate your sample boxes (e.g., each year with different color tape). keep samples organized, in order, within boxes.
9 lab notes: personally, I prefer bound lab notebooks over binders since loose pages can go missing or get out of order. whatever your system for notes, write down everything you do! always write notes/tape in gel pictures right away – if you wait you will forget!
10 stay on top of what’s happening with technology. kits get discontinued (RIP inhibitex tablets), sequencing platforms fall out of favor, biotech centers change what services they offer, etc. plan ahead & think about whether your approach is stable over a longer term.
11 back-up your data and do so regularly! Use 3-2-1 system: 3 copies, 2 storage types, 1 kept at a separate location. do not edit raw data: keep an untouched version and do work/edits on copies of that raw data file. check data thoroughly for typos, errors, duplicate values, etc.
12 for species/variables that you use frequently, choose a color/symbol scheme and stick to it. Use hex or other color codes (e.g. MYLU = " #F21A00" triangle; EPFU = " #78B7C5" circle)… that way your chapters will have a consistent theme and you won’t have to remake figures later.
13 be good to your technicians! use safety protocols and emphasize that their safety is MOST important. be patient & check in with whether YOU are doing a good job training them (ask: did I explain that well?) let them know that it’s ok to make mistakes (& help troubleshoot)
14 be good to yourself! sleep deprived, hungover, bad day? you’re more likely to make a mistake that will cost you time – it’s more efficient to work when you can really focus. take breaks & prioritize your wellbeing.
15 if someone contributed substantially to your project, they should absolutely be a coauthor & you should advocate for that. for minor contributions, include people in acknowledgements and make sure you spell their names correctly!
so those are my best tips (so far)!! I realize some may be obvious, but it’s very easy to overlook obvious things when you’re first starting out. the main thing is to really think about what you’re doing so you can save time and prevent future problems. suggestions welcome!!!
