Authorship
Authorship demonstrates an ability to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively. Manuscript authorship is therefore crucial for both trainees and research professionals. The number and quality of authorships can significantly impact academic credibility, career prospects, and the ability to secure future funding. Because of this importance, authorship position can create anxiety, tension, and spark disagreements between individuals if the process of assigning authorship is not perceived as transparent and equitable.
The Anthony lab strives for open and inclusive communication in all matters, and this includes when it comes to determining authorship order. When preparing a manuscript, discussions about authorship should happen early and often with Dr. Anthony. Dr. Anthony may include contributing lab members in these conversations to clarify contributions to a project. Any discussion about authorship order should be followed by an email summary for accurate recordkeeping. Decisions about authorship order within the lab are the shared responsibility of Dr. Anthony and the first author.
Collaborations with other labs are encouraged! In this case, discussions about authorship should occur with Dr. Anthony even before a manuscript is prepared, and a summary of all discussions and decisions always recorded. Collaborators are expected to adhere to good laboratory practices, including maintaining complete laboratory recordkeeping to aid in identifying and clarifying individuals’ contributions to a project. Discussions about authorship order with collaborating labs are the sole responsibility of Dr. Anthony. This is to ensure a single transparent record is kept which serves to prevent disputes. In the rare case an authorship disagreement occurs, Dr. Anthony will look to written records and hold open, diplomatic discussions to resolve the dispute in a just and equitable manner in alignment with our lab values.
The following are helpful resources that align with how we determine authorship:
Collegiality and Professionalism
At the Anthony Lab, we believe that collegiality and professionalism are the foundation of our achievements. By supporting, constructively challenging, and celebrating one another, we create an environment where every lab member can thrive—personally and professionally. We strive to maintain a professional work environment by respecting shared bench space and equipment and communicating openly about daily laboratory needs.
We welcome different perspectives, experiences, and ideas. One way this is accomplished is in our weekly lab meetings, where members are able to share updates on their projects or present interesting papers. Lab members are encouraged to actively engage in each other’s work by offering feedback and constructive criticism.
Our lab thrives on collaboration, and we encourage lab members to seek guidance and assistance from one another, whether it be in learning new laboratory techniques, troubleshooting, or refining experimental designs. We value knowledge-sharing and openly share protocols, reagents, tools, and data with one another to ensure everyone has what they need to move their research forward. Our success is shared, and we celebrate progress together.
Health and Wellness
The Anthony Lab strives to create a healthy, balanced environment where physical and mental well-being come first. We understand that science thrives when people feel supported, motivated, and free from undue stress. Together, we create a welcoming space where collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie drive both our science and our shared success.
Our lab is built on trust and flexibility. We allow everyone the freedom to work when they feel most productive and inspired. This self-motivated approach encourages creativity and fosters a sense of ownership in our work.
When challenges arise, we tackle them together, supporting and encouraging one another. Whether it’s troubleshooting an experiment, brainstorming ideas, or simply being there to listen, we cultivate a collaborative and caring environment. Everyone in our lab contributes to making it a place where mutual respect, growth, and understanding thrive.
We enjoy celebrating individual and group successes and holidays as a lab family. These gatherings bring joy and strengthen our bonds outside of work. At the end of each semester, we come together to reflect on our achievements, share laughter, and recharge for what lies ahead. These moments of celebration remind us of the importance of connection and balance.
There are many resources within Rutgers that support health and wellness:
https://success.rutgers.edu/success-essentials/health-wellness
https://health.rutgers.edu/medical-and-counseling-services/counseling-services
https://rutgershealth.org/clinical-health-affairs/well-being
Mentorship
Mentorship is a pillar of academic success and personal growth. Dr. Anthony and all members of The Anthony Lab are committed to fostering an environment that provides individualized guidance tailored to the unique goals, skills, and career aspirations of each lab member. Effective mentorship evolves with the needs of our lab members and advances in the field. We seek regular feedback to refine our mentorship practices, ensuring they remain impactful and aligned with our core laboratory values.
Open communication, mutual respect, and trust are emphasized in interactions with Dr. Anthony. Mentees are empowered to be active participants in the mentoring relationship. Mentoring Agreements that formalize the boundaries, goals, and expectations of the mentoring relationship are supported and encouraged. Rotating students can use the template found HERE as a starting point.
The Anthony Lab participates in formalized research mentoring programs at Rutgers and nationally. Some of the programs The Anthony Lab is affiliated with are listed below.
Aresty Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
Research-Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) at Rutgers
Cancer Institute of New Jersey RUYES
SEBS G.H. Cook Scholars Program
Respect and Belonging
In the Anthony Lab, we cultivate an environment where all members feel respected so they can give their best, promoting them to be more creative, innovative, and successful. A sense of belonging is integral to The Anthony Lab’s culture; therefore, it is essential to maintain an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, welcomed, and valued. Each person’s beliefs, abilities, preferences, culture, and identities are respected. We work together to ensure that lab members feel recognized and valued for their individuality. The Anthony Lab believes each member carries a unique set of skills, talents, and ideas that enrich the other lab members intellectually and culturally. All lab activities and events allow for open dialogue where all perspectives are shared constructively. Team members resolve differences or disagreements with courtesy, empathy, and respect. Members of the Anthony Lab are expected to comply with Rutgers University’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment.
Safety and Cleanliness
The Anthony Lab is committed to fostering a safe and organized environment for everyone who works here. We strictly follow all safety and chemical hygiene protocols established by REHS (Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety) and are proud to serve as a model for others. We maintain a strict no food or drink policy in the lab.
Safety is at the forefront of our operations. We ensure that all necessary supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) are readily accessible, so everyone feels secure and prepared during experiments. We work together to notify each other and order supplies before they run out. We attend and participate in regular safety refresher presentations every semester and provide thorough training for new students and staff. This includes specific training in fire safety and other campus emergencies.
To maintain a clean and functional workspace, we expect all lab members to clean up after themselves before and after each experiment. Cleaning is viewed as an integral part of the experiment, rather than just an additional task, and is prioritized by all team members. We also expect that all solutions and recipes are initialed and recorded with a timestamp in designated notebook found in the lab. Equipment is carefully maintained, with daily checks and routine servicing shared by all to guarantee optimal performance. Twice a year, we conduct cleaning days where every team member takes part in decluttering and maintaining the lab, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition.
Above all, we emphasize collaboration and communication to ensure that the lab operates smoothly, efficiently, and safely for all.
Helpful Links:
Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
Scientific Integrity
The Anthony Lab upholds the highest standards of scientific integrity to ensure that our research is conducted responsibly and ethically. We are dedicated to honesty and transparency, ensuring that all aspects of our work, from methods to results, are accurately reported and communicated. Maintaining a strong foundation of integrity enhances both the quality of our research and its impact on the broader scientific community.
Reproducibility is a core value, and we emphasize thorough data management practices. Our lab notebooks are meticulously maintained to document experimental designs, observations, and data, providing a detailed record that supports the validation and extension of our research.
We adhere to all institutional guidelines and promote a culture of open communication and mutual respect. We ensure that all contributions are acknowledged and uphold intellectual integrity throughout our research process.
Any form of data manipulation, falsification, or misrepresentation is strictly prohibited. Violations are taken seriously and will be handled according to established policies at Rutgers University.
The Anthony lab 