Mission Statement
The BMCDB Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) aims to increase the outreach and recruitment of individuals from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. By bringing diverse voices to the graduate group, we can broaden our scope of creative solutions in order to gain increased understanding and better answer various scientific questions. We also aim to promote and foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive training environment by providing diversity and anti-racism training for all BMCDB members (faculty and students) and mentorship training for all BMCDB faculty members.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) reports the achievement gap as a decrease in the number of underrepresented individuals in higher education and at the faculty level. We hope to address the disparity gap that currently exists by increasing the recruitment and retention of these underrepresented individuals, Lastly, we hope to create an enriching experience by focusing on the support and success of these individuals within BMCDB.
If you have any questions about the BMCDB Graduate Group or questions about life as a student here, please do not hesitate to contact any DEIC members. If you are interested in joining the DEIC, please click this link: https://forms.gle/yiQwCD1kFWw3buhd8
2023-2024 Co-Chairs: Selin Gumusderelioglu, Sarah Wang, and Elijah Kofke
DEIC Subcommittees
Injustices in Science Discussions Sub-Committee
Purpose: Provide an in-class opportunity to unpack some of the “-isms” (e.g. racism, sexism, classism) on which science was founded
Sub-Committee Leads: Iris Juanico and Sarah Wang
Outreach Sub-Committee
Purpose: increase recruitment of a more diverse student population to BMCDB and graduate school as a whole by demystifying the admissions process and how to overcome obstacles in science
Sub-Committee Leads: Zoe Estrada-Tobar and Alma Martinez Peraza
Student Wellness, Inclusion, and Retention Liaison (SWIRL)
Purpose: Provide resources and support for students, build a community within BMCDB that is welcoming and inclusive of all, establish connections between peers to build strong mentorship and support systems
Sub-Committee Leads: Lauren Anderson, Miranda Krueger, and Theresa Wechsler