Lab Culture and Community

The EPIC Lab values collaboration, mentorship, and camaraderie. We take pride in fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels connected.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

From annual holiday parties to end-of-semester celebrations, our lab enjoys finding time to gather as a group. These moments help our team connect across roles and celebrate the people behind the research!

Group photo at pickleball venue.

Spring 2026 Lab Events

Photo from lab crawfish boil; holding crawfish bucket.

The lab hosted an end-of-semester crawfish boil (above), and gathered again on Thursday night to celebrate our postdoc Vipul and first graduate student Lina at Vipul’s pickleball farewell party (right).

Shot of team members enjoying White Elephant game.

EPIC team at Dr. Marvel's house for a holiday party.

2025 Winter Holiday Party

EPIC team at the annual pumpkin carving party (Fall 2025), all members holding their carved pumpkins.

October 26th, 2025: Lab Pumpkin Carving Party

Carved pumpkins (Fall 2025 pumpkin party) lit up in a hallway.

Our inaugural lab pumpkin carving party was meant to end in a contest for “Best Pumpkin,” but every creation had its own charm, which made it impossible to choose a favorite (though everyone agreed Dr. Marvel’s definitely wasn’t it).

Dogs in front of Christmas tree.

December 1st, 2024: Inaugural Winter Holiday Party!