Diversity & Inclusion
Our lab is committed to creating a supportive environment for diverse students, and to increasing the retention of underrepresented minorities in scientific careers. As a PI, I am to create a safe and welcoming lab atmosphere where students can be themselves and learn and grow together. Lab members are united by curiosity and the desire to learn more about the world we live in; the many ways in which we differ bring a richer perspective to that work. In addition to our scientific goals, I aim to help reduce inequity and discrimination in science and beyond.
Poster modified with permission from https://sammykatta.com/diversity and shared with the pledge to focus on:
•Educating yourself about racial justice and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities.
•Listening to and uplifting voices from these communities even when they challenge your assumptions and make you uncomfortable.
•Speaking out and pushing for change when you see microaggressions or institutional policies that disadvantage these communities, both within your lab and within the larger campus community (from staff and low-wage workers to students and faculty).
•Making space and time for trainees to heal, take care of their communities, or fight for justice, and continuing to provide financial, career, and other support while they do so (if you think this is not possible at your institution, see the point above).
•Donating, when you have the means, to organizations that promote the success and well-being of marginalized communities in STEM or in the larger community.
•Educating yourself about racial justice and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities.
•Listening to and uplifting voices from these communities even when they challenge your assumptions and make you uncomfortable.
•Speaking out and pushing for change when you see microaggressions or institutional policies that disadvantage these communities, both within your lab and within the larger campus community (from staff and low-wage workers to students and faculty).
•Making space and time for trainees to heal, take care of their communities, or fight for justice, and continuing to provide financial, career, and other support while they do so (if you think this is not possible at your institution, see the point above).
•Donating, when you have the means, to organizations that promote the success and well-being of marginalized communities in STEM or in the larger community.