A fellow graduate student shared a book with me that I believe is invaluable to young research scientists. At the bench, a laboratory navigator by Kathy Barker introduces readers to the laboratory environment, complete with discussions ranging from how labs are generally organized to laboratory safety and etiquette.
At the bench also describes how to properly setup experiments, carefully maintain your laboratory notebook and how to perform some important techniques commonly used in biological research. In my opinion, two of the key topics in this book are the chapters that detail how you should present yourself and your data to other people.
I wish I had this book earlier in my career. At the bench is written in an easy-to-read and understand manner such that it can be utilized by scientists as young as those that are in high school. However, even as an advanced graduate student, I find the material in At the bench extremely useful. The material is also easily accessible as this hard cover book is spiral bound so that when I am at the bench, I can quickly flip through pages for quick reference. This book typically costs approximately $45.00, but consider it an investment in your career. You may even find it less expensive if you purchase a used copy. Pass on the information because it is a great resource!
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