During lunch, the group finds a shady spot to dig into giant deli sandwiches and gulp Gatorade. Between bites, Luger explains that the ropes course tradition started three years ago, initiated by lab manager Pam Dyer when the lab was smaller. "Everyone got addicted to it and it's really just plain fun," says Luger. "But I also learn who the leaders are and who likes to step back and see where the wind blows."

		View Slide Show A ropes course became a exercise in team building for Karolin Luger's lab group. Photos: Kendall Powell and Pam Dyer

It helps her manage the lab's growing numbers as well. "In lots of large labs, things can get competitive, which I try to avoid," she says. "If two people are having a problem, I like to say, 'Go hash it out and I will try to facilitate'—which is exactly what we do here at the ropes course."

She takes off suddenly, running gleefully with two students through the lawn sprinklers. Nearby, postdoc Andy Andrews observes, "I just can't imagine my old research adviser doing that."

	PAGE 2 OF 2	Back