This is a living document meant to guide us in our science, our community and our well-being. These are the values upheld and embodied in our lab and are integrated into all aspects of our research and methods including public health, microbiology, and computational biology.

Mission

At the Sinnott-Armstrong Lab, we are interested in common human diseases and patient experience to pursue transformative advancements in healthcare through equitable artificial intelligence integration and innovative research methods. We are dedicated to understanding the map between our genotype and our phenotype at a population level. We aim to use the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease, chronic illnesses, and precision medicine for transgender and intersectional communities as models to understand the public health landscape as we move forward.

We focus on critical areas of public health (ie. environmental health, biostatistics, epidemiology) and prioritize collaborative research projects across institutions, to redefine biomedical research into a multifaceted practice. The approach we take is to utilize innovative phenotype-genotype mapping, including Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), and database analysis of patient records. We also take a biochemical and molecular approach to understand the immune response and mechanisms of the Lyme disease-causing Borrelia burgdorferi. Our research aims to improve health outcomes and access by prioritizing patient experiences and fostering innovative, inclusive practices.

We are committed to advancing healthcare through collaboration, integrity, and a dedication to personal and professional growth. By reimagining conventional scientific practices, we strive to make meaningful impacts on public health and precision medicine. Our core values include a patient-centered approach, collaboration and innovation, personal and professional growth, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At our lab, we believe that research should be both impactful and enjoyable, and we are committed to creating a space where groundbreaking science meets a supportive and dynamic community. Together, we aim to redefine laboratory science and contribute to a more equitable and effective healthcare system.

Values:

  • Members of the Sinnott-Armstrong lab respect each individual's boundaries, contributions and expression, both professional and personal. Safety means holding space for people to share their ideas, motivations and questions without ridicule so that we may affirm the dignity of every person. Lab members come with a collaborative spirit in order to support growth, innovation and creativity.

  • We promote diversity and inclusion through our collaborations, opportunities and research. We seek to recognize and work to overcome systemic and social barriers in healthcare, scientific research and higher education. Our lab is a community of diverse opinions, insights, and ideas for resolutions in our research and health initiatives. We cultivate a culture of inclusivity by integrating community knowledge and art into our greater scientific and artistic perspectives.

  • Lab members are accountable for their research and community relations in efforts to maintain equitable access to knowledge, art and health. We include in our network both local and national communities, and work collaboratively on projects that center patient experience and historical access to health care. Our lab upholds quality translational research that addresses institutional and systemic injustices and racism in health care.

  • The lab community is built on reliable, consistent and transparent communication using both science and art. We utilize our platform to share our research and techniques. We promote both professional and personal growth by sanctioning time and space for open conversations and questions with appropriate trust and privacy. Trust is fundamental to our operation and expect every lab member to hold discretion in these open conversation hours.

  • As curious and creative investigators, we will learn with curiosity and learning new ways to approach arising issues in public health contributes to the advancements in the field. Consistent and honest engagement in the lab and with community members is essential to staying acquainted with the issues our community faces and safe-guard autonomy in research.

  • Our emphasis is not on efficiency but on consistent and transparent documentation of troubleshooting and results. Science does not happen overnight, and working in ways that hold everyone’s perspectives and learning is a long-term effort. Further, all lab members get an opportunity to define individual productivity while maintaining personal health.

  • We are dedicated to having fun! Science is an art form and art can be a science– in our lab we encourage members to share their creative expressions both in and outside of the lab. As a community, we engage in different social and creative activities that inspire fellowship and innovation.