Diversity and Equity 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. See **here** for more detailed descriptions of initiatives taken in the program.

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.