Their feeding and maintenance must be given top priority. They should be checked daily on a regular schedule. If animals are sacrificed, the maximum research value must be obtained. I absolutely will not tolerate organisms dying from neglect nor specimens that are collected but go unused. Maintain a clean and orderly research space.
Any space provided is likely to be shared with the advisor or another student.
Leaving out papers, books, equipment, or work in progress when the student is not presently working on their research is unacceptable. Students must store their materials properly when not at work. I expect my research students to take ownership of their project and display initiative in getting supplies, making contacts, doing the research, and generally getting things done. Once the start-up period is past and the research plan established, I should not have to remind students when to do experiments, collect specimens, conduct censuses, etc. I will always be available and willing to give advice, but I expect students to develop autonomy and not to rely on spoon-feeding.