The Noel Lab strongly believes in science and scientific research as a tool for positive societal impact. As a group, and as a field as a whole, we work together to create something that doesn’t exist yet: knowledge to cure a disease, a more efficient way to harvest resources from nature, technology that will assist an aging population, whatever it may be. It must be front and center that this is fundamentally an optimistic endeavor, and one worth championing.

As such, a central goal of the lab is to train the next generation of critical thinkers who will make a positive impact on the world around us. All lab members are on their own personal journey, and we are excited to host and propel each of these journeys. In the lab, we believe that science is real, that a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures makes us richer and broader thinkers, and that every single person, regardless of sex, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientations, language(s), abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, or religious belief has a meaningful contribution to make, deservex respect, and belongs within our community. We believe that science should be inclusive and supportive. Ideally, it should also be fun (and always rigorous)!

As PI of the group, Dr. Noel aims to create a safe, and intellectually stimulating environment where individuals dare to pursue their wildest dreams. His mentoring philosophy stems from his own lived experience, both personal (e.g., a Belgian-Mexican who moved to the US for university while barely speaking english) and professional (e.g., having his first research experience as part of a summer opportunity for members with less access to research/science). Further, it is informed by research and our current understanding of best pedagogical and managerial practices. He is fallible, but commitment to keep learning.