I think I misunderstood the reason I was being asked to show up frequently in the lab. I think it isn’t so much about face-to-face communication (which there never was much of even when I was there), but rather about being seen there by whoever apportions lab space. Still, it’s a high price to ask when every day that I commute loses at least 3 hours of productive time… and an even higher one to ask of a naturalist amidst one of the most urban environments in the country.