Cayvenne Joseph (CJ) Carag is nominated in the Lab Heroes Awards - TM
Cayvenne Joseph (CJ) Carag, Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece
Bold, Kind, Overachiever
"CJ is an exemplary member of my team lab whose willingness, persistence and kindness make her a cornerstone of our lab. Her proactive attitude and unwavering commitment to maintain high standards in her everyday tasks amazed me from day one. Beyond her technical skills she fosters a collaborative environment and has established strong relatioships with all colleagues within a very short time upon her arrival. She has a unique charisma as she is one of the very few people that I know that can turn a rainy day into something beautiful and hopeful. The unanimous vote of our team for her nomination was a real surprise as she is indeed the newest member of our team. This well-deserved nomination highlights her outstanding contributions, passion for her work, and the positive impact she has on our lab."
Nominated by Era Taoufik, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece
Fearless, Hilarious, Unstoppable
"CJ: Our Unsung Lab Hero CJ joined our lab with a fresh perspective and infectious energy that immediately made a difference. As a second-generation immigrant in Greece, she brings a unique voice to our team, enriching our lab's diversity and perspective. As an undergraduate student working closely with us on a range of projects, including our collaborative science vlog, CJ adds humor and creativity to what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming workload. Her ability to translate complex biology concepts into relatable, digestible pieces for our audience is invaluable, making science accessible and fun for everyone. Beyond her communication skills, CJ embodies resilience and dedication. She works tirelessly on lab tasks, despite the lack of compensation, always bringing her characteristic wit and determination. Whether it's assisting with experiments or managing the countless small tasks that keep our projects running smoothly, she does it all with a positive attitude, even when joking about quitting! What truly sets CJ apart, though, is her support for the rest of the team. In a predominantly female lab environment, she offers encouragement, shares her passion for learning, and keeps morale high, especially on the toughest days. Her background and personal journey bring added strength to her work ethic, as she understands the value of perseverance and hard work. She inspires us to push through challenges and celebrate our shared successes. CJ’s impact goes beyond her tasks; she brings warmth and a sense of community to the lab. She inspires us to persevere, even when things get tough, and her contributions to our daily routines—whether it’s in the form of science or a much-needed coffee break—are deeply appreciated. We are proud to nominate CJ as our lab hero for her unwavering commitment, her brilliant sense of humor, and the lasting impact she has on all of us."