Course 15: The Cancer SIG presents: Mastering Research Lab Management: From Setup to Success

Managing a successful research lab requires strategic planning and cultivating a productive team environment. This pre-conference course will equip early-career, mid-career, and senior researchers with the tools, strategies, and insights to establish and maintain successful research labs. This course will address key areas of lab management, including the initial setup of lab infrastructure, recruitment and development of a talented team, and implementation of effective management practices to foster productivity. Participants will gain practical advice on prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, facilitating accountability, and running effective meetings. Experienced behavioral medicine researchers will share their insights and personal experiences throughout the session, highlighting common pitfalls and lessons learned. They will also discuss tools and resources to streamline lab operations and improve research productivity. The interactive format will encourage participants to engage in discussions, share their challenges, and develop tailored solutions to enhance their lab management skills. The course will include a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to ask specific questions and seek advice from seasoned experts. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the important elements of lab management and actionable strategies to apply to their research lab. By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared to lead their research labs to success and foster a collaborative and efficient research environment.

Chair - Lakeshia Cousin   Student
University of Florida

Co-Presenter - Susan Vadaparampil   Student
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Co-Presenter - Heather Jim PhD  Student
Moffitt Cancer Center

Co-Presenter - Clement Gwede   Student
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Chair - Shannon Christy PhD  Student
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Chair - Michelle Martin PhD, FSBM  Student
University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Managing a successful research lab requires strategic planning and cultivating a productive team environment. This pre-conference course will equip early-career, mid-career, and senior researchers with the tools, strategies, and insights to establish and maintain successful research labs. This course will address key areas of lab management, including the initial setup of lab infrastructure, recruitment and development of a talented team, and implementation of effective management practices to foster productivity. Participants will gain practical advice on prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, facilitating accountability, and running effective meetings. Experienced behavioral medicine researchers will share their insights and personal experiences throughout the session, highlighting common pitfalls and lessons learned. They will also discuss tools and resources to streamline lab operations and improve research productivity. The interactive format will encourage participants to engage in discussions, share their challenges, and develop tailored solutions to enhance their lab management skills. The course will include a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to ask specific questions and seek advice from seasoned experts. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the important elements of lab management and actionable strategies to apply to their research lab. By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared to lead their research labs to success and foster a collaborative and efficient research environment.

Chair - Lakeshia Cousin, PhD, APRN,
University of Florida

Co-Presenter - Susan T. Vadaparampil, PhD, MPH,
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Co-Presenter - Heather Jim, PhD,
Moffitt Cancer Center

Co-Presenter - Clement K. Gwede, PhD, MPH, RN, FSBM,
H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Chair - Shannon M. Christy, PhD, PhD,
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

Chair - Michelle Y. Martin, PhD, FSBM, PhD, FSBM,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center