Our Mission

Science is a collective enterprise which thrives when diverse minds, talents, and perspectives collaborate to address problems that were previously considered intractable. To date, the scientific enterprise has not reached its fullest potential. Ideas, techniques, insights, and expertise have been overlooked as individuals have been systematically excluded or marginalized based on their identity and background, including race, nationality, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, and family history with respect to higher education.

The Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology PhD community recognizes that a culture of inclusive excellence enhances our science, our program, and our daily interactions. We are committed to identifying and removing barriers that limit the ability of students from diverse backgrounds to access and find success in our program, as well as STEM in general.

  1. We strive to recruit and welcome a maximally diverse population of graduate students, faculty and staff.
  2. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment in which each student has access to the mentorship and resources that they need to succeed.
  3. We strive to encourage and support people who engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and we celebrate their accomplishments in this area.
  4. We strive to provide a curriculum and environment that trains the next generation of inclusive scientists who will be leaders in multiple sectors.

Our dynamic interactive community of faculty, students, and researchers helps students build the support networks needed for success in science.

SSQB students, in partnership with faculty, have dramatically energized the efforts to reach our goals by spearheading multiple initiatives. Learn more about our initiatives.

The SSQB community recognizes that promoting diversity in science and dismantling systems of discrimination is a life-long commitment. We will continue to expand efforts and develop new partnerships in this area, and we welcome those who wish to join us.

Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology Women's Group

Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology organizes a women in science group for graduate students. The group meets monthly and is student-led. This serves as a mechanism for students to get to know the other women in the program better, and have a venue to have discussions on a variety of topics including:

  • Choosing a lab (how to value your own experience and priorities)
  • Interacting with your mentor (setting expectations and strategies)
  • Balancing work and family, and specifically what it is like to be pregnant and have a baby (or babies!) while working in the lab
  • Social and scientific interactions in the department (enjoying your colleagues, being comfortable voicing your opinions)
  • Social and scientific interactions in the science world at large (giving talks, contacting people at other universities, interacting at conferences, Life beyond science.)
     

HGWISE

HGWISE is a graduate student organization dedicated to the personal, academic, and professional development of women in natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering at Harvard University. HGWISE aims to enhance the graduate experience for women in science and engineering at Harvard by providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and mentoring, as well as developing a meaningful community for women scientists.

HGWISE has several specific areas of concentration:

  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Recruitment of women and minorities
  • Career development
  • Community involvement
  • Alumnae relations
  • Parenting and family issues