Information for shadowing students
Location of the lab:
Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab
RWJMS Institute for Neurological Therapeutics (RINT)
Department of Neurology
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
683 Hoes Lane West,
1st Floor, Room 188
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Hosts:
1) Faculty host:
Eleanna Kara, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
2) Graduate student host:
Jose Cevallos
3rd year PhD student, Neuroscience program
How to get to the lab from New York City:
Public transportation: Take the NJ Transit Northeastern Corridor train to New Brunswick station.
After you arrive to the train station, take one of the Rutgers buses (for free) going to Busch campus. The most convenient would be either the Helix bus that stops next to the train station, or the A or H buses that stop at the Yard (the bus stop is a 5min walk from the stain station).
Bust stops on Busch campus: A bus: Science building; H bus: Allison road classrooms; Helix bus: RWJMS research tower.
Information on Rutgers buses: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/transportation/buses/nb
There is also an app which you can download for free, linked on the website above, where you can track the buses and see the precise location of the bus stops.
It is feasible to commute by train on a daily basis from Manhattan. Several employees at Rutgers do this. You do not need to stay at a nearby hotel, unless this is what you would prefer.
Schedule:
Shadowing in the lab is flexible and you can work around your class schedule. We would recommend at least 5h slots or full days to get the maximum from the experience.
Please fill in the when2meet form below with your availability for the first half of October:
Requirements before you start shadowing:
Complete a virtual biosafety course administered by Rutgers. Access to the portal will be provided by the Rutgers biosafety office to participants.
What will students experience?
During the visit, students will have the opportunity to:
Shadow researchers working in an active academic neuroscience laboratory
Learn how scientists study Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders
Observe commonly used experiments in cell and molecular neuroscience, microscopy, image analysis, and computational research
Attend laboratory discussions and learn how research questions are developed and tested
Speak with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and other trainees about careers in science
Learn about pathways to undergraduate research, graduate school, medical school, and research careers
The activities to be shadowed will depend on the individual visitor’s schedule in the lab, which will be determined through the When2meet poll above.
Preparatory reading:
No preparation is required! Interest in learning about our work is the most important attribute, to make the most of your experience.
Food and drink:
The building features a microwave, fridge and rudimentary kitchen where you can store and heat your meal. The building also features a vending machine that operates with credit card or cash and a drinking fountain. The campus also features a coffee shop called Woody’s where you can purchase snacks and small meals.
Lab Etiquette and Safety
To ensure a safe and productive visit, please follow the guidance of your host and laboratory members at all times.
Do not touch laboratory instruments, equipment, samples, reagents, computers, or other materials unless a lab member specifically invites you to do so.
Please remain with your host or another designated lab member while in research areas.
Follow all instructions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection when required.
Food and drinks are not permitted in laboratory areas. Please use the designated kitchen or common areas.
Please wear closed toe shoes (no sandals).
Do not enter restricted rooms or work areas unless accompanied by a lab member.
Do not photograph experiments, samples, computer screens, laboratory notebooks, or unpublished data unless you have received permission.
If you are unsure whether you are permitted to do something, please ask before proceeding.
Any accident, spill, injury, or safety concern should be reported immediately to your host or another laboratory member.
Social Media:
Please visit our lab’s Instagram account to get an idea about our lab’s activities and culture: https://www.instagram.com/rutgers_kara_lab/
Additional questions:
Please email Eleanna Kara (ek851@rwjms.rutgers.edu) or Jose Cevallos (jfc181@gsbs.rutgers.edu).
Map of Busch campus with important locations highlighted:
