Lab Vision and PhilosophyEveryone is welcome here

Our lab studies a diversity of species, but the thread that holds much of our work together is a focus on habitat and how anthropogenic activities affect animal populations/communities, with research that helps to inform management or conservation actions.  We produce science in collaboration with and in support of agencies because that’s where we think we can be most effective.

Goals of this lab are to:

  • Create a supportive environment where we can all learn, grow, and be productive
  • Produce and share high-quality science that is relevant for management and conservation
  • Foster communication among all lab members, where we can be open and honest, as well as respectful of each other’s thoughts and needs

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Allyship

Our lab is a safe, friendly, respectful, supportive, welcoming, and accepting environment for sharing ideas, learning, and professional growth.  We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity and we encourage an environment of collaboration, open communication, and trust, which respects differences of opinions.  

We will not tolerate any verbal or physical harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.  We will hold each other to high ethical standards of personal and professional conduct and integrity.  We want everyone to feel empowered to share their ideas and to call out discriminatory language or actions (even if unintentional). 

When hiring, we will pay fair wages, advertise opportunities broadly, consider non-traditional selection criteria, and create safe workplaces to lower the barriers to participation. We will invite seminar speakers that come from diverse backgrounds, career stages, and perspectives to promote underrepresented groups. We will continue to develop tools and strategies to recruit, support, and retain diverse people and perspectives, so more voices are heard.

Grants and Funding

I am committed to paying living wages for students' research and teaching efforts. I use information gathered by Ecology graduate students to inform monthly pay rates. I also will cover tuition, fees, and insurance. I’m happy to share the details about the funds secured to support your work and talk about how the grant funds are allocated to accomplish various goals. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about your compensation; I welcome these important conversations.

Lab Guide

We have created a Litt lab handbook that shares our vision, values, and guidance. This is a work in progress, so we can add and modify as we work together.