JOIN THE DICE PACK!
CONSIDERING APPLYING TO THE DICE LAB?
If you are considering applying to work in the DICE lab under the mentorship of Dr. Benuto, you are encouraged to email Dr. Benuto and/or the lab members to get additional information about what it is like to be part of the DICE Lab. You may also be wondering what it is like to live in Reno, NV and/or attend school at UNR. The information provided here is intended to provide you with some information about UNR and Reno and also to provide you with some information of the culture in the DICE Lab. If you are interested in becoming a research assistant, please complete the application and email it to Dr. Benuto. Please note that you must have a 3.5 GPA to work in the DICE Lab.
MENTORSHIP STYLE
Dr. Benuto takes a hands-on approach to mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. For graduate students Dr. Benuto holds the expectation that the students in her lab be actively involved with the research projects that are currently underway. If you join the DICE Lab you can expect to be involved in a minimum of four research projects per year that will be submitted for publication (i.e., you will work on approximately two papers/projects per semester). While student-generated research is highly valued, Dr. Benuto does hold the expectation that all research conducted in the lab will fit with the mission of the center. With graduate students she provides timely, critical feedback and is focused on helping students evolve into strong writers and critical thinkers. Dr. Benuto’s mentorship style works best with students who are goal-oriented, self-starters, and who respond to constructive criticism. Ultimately she is supportive and highly invested in seeing her students succeed and this includes helping to ensure that students meet program requirements. As such, weekly goals/deadlines are set and students are held to high standards.
LAB CULTURE
Our lab culture is highly collegial. All members of the lab are expected to engage in professional behavior. We work together on projects and support and respect each other’s work. Labbies often will help each other with the logistical details of dissertation proposals and defenses and will collect data in tandem with each other. We spend time together attending conferences, program events, community events, social events, and we’ve been known to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich together!
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE IN RENO?
Reno is a cultured community that offers diverse activities for all individuals. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Reno, NV is a small, vibrant city that allows its residents the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities of all seasons. For those who love nature, there are many outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, rafting, biking, rock climbing, camping, hunting, skiing, snow boarding, snow-shoeing, tubing, etc. Just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, there is the chance to experience world class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Although Reno is a small town, you will still get a big city feel with great food, a 24 hour nightlife, and city-wide festivals such as the Great Reno Balloon Races, the Rib Cook-off, Hot August Nights, Art Town, and food truck Fridays. Whether you are outdoorsy and want to kayak the Truckee river, climb the tallest artificial rock climbing wall in the world, or explore the surrounding mountains or you are interested in visiting art museums, tasting craft cocktails, and having tapas with friends, Reno is the city for you! Reno and the surrounding areas hold many festivals and events to interest all individuals such as: the greek festival, the art walk, Italian festival, hot august nights, street vibrations, the rib cook off, monthly wine walks, themed Pub crawls, UNR sport events etc.