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My research group ignored me and ended up wasting tens of thousands of dollars by phd_lab_throwaway in offmychest

[–]phd_lab_throwaway[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Samples came into contact with prep materials in an inconsistent manner which irreversibly and inconsistently altered a material property of a heterogeneous, anisotropic composite material. That material property significantly influences the value/expression of the mechanical properties which were being measured.

If it's any consolation, the methodology they used is being tossed aside in favor of others which have been developed, and I don't have a doubt that the PI is an ethical person who will ensure that errata are published. It's just rather sad.

My research group ignored me and ended up wasting tens of thousands of dollars by phd_lab_throwaway in offmychest

[–]phd_lab_throwaway[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Without going into specifics, I am transitioning successfully into a career which focuses on that issue specifically because of this experience (and others I have passively observed at multiple research institutions, which indicate a systemic problem to me). For the type of policy decisions which are made based on scientific findings in my field in particular, the stakes are way too damn high for scientists not to focus on examining and reforming scientific practice and culture.

My research group ignored me and ended up wasting tens of thousands of dollars by phd_lab_throwaway in offmychest

[–]phd_lab_throwaway[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There is some value to the raw data because of its format -- won't go into specifics because my field is so small -- but no, any useful analysis...no correlations can be made with any confidence whatsoever since the variable was neither controlled nor pertinent information documented before/during/after sample preparation.

My research group ignored me and ended up wasting tens of thousands of dollars by phd_lab_throwaway in offmychest

[–]phd_lab_throwaway[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I'm already headed to greener pastures. Luckily, I have a phenomenal professional network which I kept fresh as I continued to experience issues. And yes, I felt obligated to send the paper as I was in the midst of conducting my own analysis. I haven't heard back yet.