In the Department of Microbiology, our view is that program-wide integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles is critical to establish a climate and culture that fosters belonging, enhances training and education, and promotes scientific excellence. Scientific research is a collective enterprise and inclusive practices ensure that a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and approaches – born from the unique identities of individuals and their lived experiences – are brought to bear on the process of scientific discovery and biomedical research. Thus, EDI is a foundational tenant of the Department’s mission to train future generations of microbiologists and conduct world class, innovative, and impactful research.
The Department’s EDI Committee consists of faculty, postdoctoral and graduate trainees, and research and administrative staff. The Committee recently underwent a re-organization such that the work of the committee is accomplished by specific subcommittees, including: Outreach, Community Building, and Trainings and Education. The Committee also interfaces with Admissions, Recruitment, and virtually all other aspects of the Department. This work includes our participation in annual meetings of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), as well as supporting research opportunity programs, including the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) and the Biomedical Summer Training and Engagement Program (BioSTEP). You can learn more about the work of the Committee, Upcoming Events, and more using the links on the left.
While we have taken several positive steps towards building and sustaining a more equitable and inclusive research community, we also recognize that a multitude of inequities nevertheless persist.
Committee Members:
• Laarni Aguila, Graduate student
• Justin Brache, Research staff
• Alison Ciling, Graduate student
• Olivia Dong, Research staff
• Monica Guo, Assistant Professor (co-chair of Outreach Committee)
• Sanford Leake, Research staff
• Sora Kim, Postdoc
• Stef Krug, Postdoc
• Michael Lagunoff, Professor
• Ella Lamont, Graduate student
• Patrick Mitchell, Assistant Professor (chair of Micro EDI Committee)
• Josey Overfield, Undergraduate advisor
• Michelle Reniere, Associate Professor
• Niyati Rodricks, Graduate student
• Ram Savan, Professor (chair of Immunology EDI Committee)
• Beth Traxler, Professor
• Joshua Woodward, Professor