McClain Lab

In the McClain lab, we seek to unlock the secrets of ocean life with transformational knowledge gained through innovation in the culture, practice, and communication of science.

In the McClain lab, we ask

1. What life occurs at the bottom of the ocean and what determines its existence?
2. What are the implications of the energy-dependence of biological machines for biodiversity and climate change responses?
3. How do deep-sea organisms inform us about requirements for and complexity of life on this planet and others?

Core values

1. Pursue science curiously. We believe that creativity is maximized when we are passionate about and playful with the science we do.
2. Move forward courageously. We believe innovative science and the improvement of the practice of science require consistent courage.
3. Break down barriers. There are no barriers to our thinking and no barriers for participation and inclusion in science.
4. Innovate through disruption. We feel substantial revision of academia and science is needed to promote productivity, advancement, efficiency, inclusion, equity, and transparency.
5. Build up others. We work together in pursuit of knowledge, building others up to be the best version of themselves.
6. Engage through passion. We communicate passionately and frequently about our science to inform and inspire our communities.