Etiquette for leaving a lab

[remo]

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Is it common for people to bring in food or cookies or something on their last day working in a lab? I have been there part time for about 1 1/2 years.

 

[degoo_]

Do others do it (for any reason). In my lab, there's always some food on the lunch table, so I've brought in stuff and left a sign telling people to take some.
If there is a place to eat in your lab, I'd bring something in. Also bring a card for your PI/lab.

This has been on my mind too, after this year I'll be leaving a lab I've worked at for a long time. I plan on a card, letter, and small sweets, like muffins or something. People in my lab accuse me of not being able to cook, so I want to prove them wrong.

 

[applyingsucks]

I've been working in a lab for over 2 years now and have gotten to know my PI really well. I actually consider him a friend and a mentor. I am finishing up my senior thesis this April and was wondering if it was weird to buy him a gift. Maybe an engraved pen, or a nice bottle of wine. I would write a card and all but I was just curious to hear what other people bought their PIs as thank you gifts.

 

[EBI831]

based on my personal experience of my labs, i woulda brought in a bomb if anything 🙂 but i just got them cards and ran as fast as i could out of there but then again i don't like bench research and i don't like being the only student in the lab.

 

[DblHelix]

I really only see two options:
1) Come liquored up and tell them what you REALLY think, whether that be awkwardly affectionate or bluntly insulting.

or

2) Come in screaming something about "all you b*tches", then stick out your arm and run past the lab benches, knocking over all the beakers, glassware, burners, and pipettes.

Just a thought...

 

[CCLCMer]

Is it common for people to bring in food or cookies or something on their last day working in a lab? I have been there part time for about 1 1/2 years.

I don't think it's necessary to bring them food, but if you just want to, it would be a really nice (and I'm sure appreciated!) gesture. I would definitely write a brief thank you letter to your prof and whoever trained you.

 

[CD4helpCD8]

Just cards will be good. Maybe we are spoiled here, but usually the whole lab will go out for lunch and...of course, the PI will get the check...that's part of their job description 😀 .

 

[jennifermov]

I've been working in a lab for over 2 years now and have gotten to know my PI really well. I actually consider him a friend and a mentor. I am finishing up my senior thesis this April and was wondering if it was weird to buy him a gift. Maybe an engraved pen, or a nice bottle of wine. I would write a card and all but I was just curious to hear what other people bought their PIs as thank you gifts.

my major advisor bought me a gift when i graduated.....very sweet and personalized....so i actually bought her a very nice crystal vase for her office. i say definitely buy a gift as a way of showing your appreciation...it doesn't have to be expensive.....of course, "it's the thought that counts..." and you want your PI to have good thoughts about you when you ask for rec letters in the future.....