Day 1: First day in lab
=======================

Before your first day in lab, be sure to complete required trainings and download lab software, as described in
:doc:`Day 0: Software training and setup <day_0_setup>`. Once you have lab access, complete the list below to become oriented to lab processes and procedures.

Onboarding form 
---------------

Complete the tasks on the **lab Onboarding Form** (download the one for `grad students/postdocs </_static/iap_files/2026.07.27_onboarding-form_grad-postdoc.pdf>`_ 
or `undergrads/visiting students </_static/iap_files/2026.07.27_onboarding-form_undergrad-visiting-student.pdf>`_).
The most recent forms are also located in `this folder <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/GallowayLab/IgDFT2QaHvFyRK8T-mimny_OAWjTpmM18Te5DVKyJORWO10?e=KXd2iO>`_ 
in the lab SharePoint.
Check off each task as you complete it. This list includes:

1. Setting up webservices (you should've done this in :ref:`Day 0 <software>`)
2. Obtaining access to webservices (you should've requested this in :ref:`Day 0 <software>`)
3. Getting the appropriate physical lab setup (lab notebook, bench, etc.)
4. Performing the required EHS trainings (online trainings in :ref:`Day 0 <ehs>`, in-person described below)
5. Performing a walkthrough of the lab to familiarize yourself with its organization (see also the Lab Citizenship section below)
6. Adding a photo of yourself for the lab website to `this folder <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/GallowayLab/IgCB3AedU6JORrIMlIWW9UdQAVcKnwOU69Rr4hlMbVRB5TI?e=KmmG2E>`__ 
   in the SharePoint


Lab-specific safety training
----------------------------

After completing all other safety trainings online, meet with the lab EHS rep to learn the relevant safety features of our lab (e.g., 
location of eyewash stations, processes for chemical waste disposal). To confirm that you understand these procedures, you must submit a 
Google form to be checked off by the lab EHS rep. This safety information is :doc:`documented here <../../general/lab_safety>`, and key 
points are highlighted in the lab-specific training slides 
(`IAP 2025 <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:p:/s/GallowayLab/EffS_fJNCA1KgtfpJG7O6DgBQFc9nWfK2uXpOLrbIo9-lg?e=HzM0Cq>`_).

For grad students and postdocs, an in-person training is also required for access to the room containing the autoclave, dishwasher, and ice 
machine (room 56-415). Once you have completed the `Autoclave Safety Training <http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=EHS00254w&sys=PS1>`_ 
module in Atlas, a lab member will demonstrate how to operate the autoclave and describe relevant safety features. Then, email the Building 66 
Facilities Manager and ChemE EHS Coordinator (Chris Monaco and Brian Smith, `directory <https://cheme.mit.edu/people/staff/>`_) to request card access.

Lab citizenship 
----------------

It is essential for lab members to display common courtesy and follow established procedures to ensure the lab runs smoothly. Professor Galloway 
expects all lab members to contribute to the lab mission and uphold lab values, as described on the 
`lab website <https://gallowaylab.mit.edu/bts/>`_ and internally in a lab meeting
(`IAP 2026 <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:p:/s/GallowayLab/IQD9zyPd_-dBS5MBPrYZXVD7AabiBQJH33UpdkmKmh_5X9s?e=4uMhI5>`__). 
On your first day in lab, a current lab member will walk you through the lab space and describe our digital organization. 
This presentation 
(`IAP 2026 <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:p:/r/sites/GallowayLab/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B34FBAE9F-CA9A-40E5-B0BA-5EADE917E203%7D>`_) contains a good list of things to know.

Maps for lab organization:

- `Building map <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/GallowayLab/EbbxNb8qgvhFmFE0GKADaAEBCjVjy9nSm-bfoXdxJbo3kw?e=ay4Z9f>`_ of lab rooms
- `Lab equipment <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/GallowayLab/EbjBy6vhAyZKqWVgSfxkRXABdfoGp_YYGrRKiLTGay74fg?e=zjkM5C>`_ 
- `Freezer organization <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/GallowayLab/ERVgIOi4w31JohZf3xSQIDQBK7t2Pm4gxTZNxHdolh4EOw?e=kSnjs1>`_
- `Incubator shelf assignment <https://mitprod.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/GallowayLab/EediYQ9VgLFMpMWxMOpqOu8Bqo__zbC4BykKfnjKReiZqQ?e=4zv17t>`_ 

Selected lab protocols to be familiar with:

- :doc:`Lab safety </general/lab_safety>`
- :doc:`Ordering materials and reagents </general/ordering>`
- :doc:`Receiving orders </general/receiving>`
- :doc:`Shipping </general/shipping>`
- :doc:`Recycling </general/recycling>`
- :doc:`Cleaning and autoclaving </general/clean_autoclave_guideline>`
- :doc:`Plasmid database </general/plasmid_database>`
- :doc:`Basic TC procedures </protocols/tc/tc-basics/TC_basics>`
- :doc:`Virus safety </protocols/tc/virus/virus_safety>`


Core facility access
--------------------

If you anticipate using a core facility (e.g., flow sorter, confocal microscope, plate reader) check out the :doc:`relevant protocol <../../instruments/index>` to obtain 
access. It's best to start this process early, since obtaining access may take several weeks --- training can be difficult to schedule during busy times, 
and you may be required to book supervised time on equipment before independent access is permitted.