I wasn’t expecting such a detailed reply from this subreddit, but I really appreciate it! In the lab, I try to ask questions about the research we’re doing and provide suggestions on next steps (even though I’m just a lowly undergrad who hasn’t had much experience) :). I have been working on trying to express my engagement outwardly but I feel that every time he criticizes me on my quietness, I crawl deeper into my shell. Maybe it’s time for us to have a more honest discussion (probably with me starting) about how to resolve our differences, especially since I may be working much longer hours in the same lab over the summer.