Well questions of preference aside, it might be an idea that people include a location in the header of their post to save confusion as to location. Also highlight characters names in any post that 'actively' involves them. Combined with location info that should avoid most of the potential confusion.

On another note I have no issue per say with the set-up since my Master needs to be on campus to have access to the labs, though outside of that she will most likely be skipping after maybe the first/second day.