Vrinda Nair Profile picture
Jul 20, 2022 10 tweets 5 min read Read on X
How I maintain a lab notebook/record.

A 🧵

Having all your protocols, experiments, notes, inventory and many other pieces of information in one place feel great. Right?

@OpenAcademics @ThePhDPlace #AcademicChatter #PhDvoice #scicomm
Our lab uses @Labstep for maintaining all records digitally and it was recommended to me by my supervisor. I also maintain a physical notebook to write all the notes first and later update them in the digital notebook.
Note: All the sample images in the thread are not from my actual notebook.

1.Here's an overview of what your workspace will look like -- you can invite members into your workspace and collaborate with them. Image
In the message board, you can tag someone from your lab and let them know any updates.

2.Then, I head over to the protocol section and add all the protocols which I have to do now and or later.

Sample: Image
I add links to papers (imp) that I want to refer to, my notion workspace, GitHub page and write notes too. You get other options in the sidebar. My personal favourite is - when my supervisor adds a protocol, I can simply go to duplicate feature and add it to my workspace.

Sample Image
3.Now, in the experiment section -- you can write which experiment you are running and mark the progress. You can also see if your experiment is in progress, planning or completed from the overview page too. Image
Also, in the sidebar, there are various options to share your experiments, you can lock it for security reasons and many more. Image
4.In the overview, you can keep track of your order management, link instruments and devices etc. Image
5. As I mentioned, I also keep a physical notebook to write notes and updates. I usually write urgent notes like “to do” in red pen (just to act fast on it) and notes with a green or blue pen.

Anyways, I hope you can take away some points.

Thank you for reading!
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Apr 11
How to improve your (scientific) presentation skills + a few sample rubrics for research talks.

A 🧵


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Giving presentations remains my least favourite thing (because I enjoy writing more than speaking) but being a researcher, you can’t escape it. Over the years, I have given journal club talks, and research talks and presented at conferences plus many more presentations.
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Read 9 tweets
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Research students - if you love writing, you can use your writing skills in these areas to work part-time and earn too.
1. Professional Note-taker: In universities, if you sign up as a note-taker. You will be required to attend classes for students who would have requested a note-taker for various reasons. So, if you have good speed in taking notes then working as a note-taker is for you.
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Some research tools/resources...
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mybib.com
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mindmeister.com
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