School of Biological Sciences / University of Utah
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Vision
The School of Biological Sciences is committed to expanding equity, diversity and inclusion in our community.
Mission
Diversity is a fundamental aspect in biological systems from molecules to ecosystems. We believe that the diversity of our faculty, staff and students is a resource, strength and benefit. It is the mission of the EDI committee to cultivate a climate and develop strategies where equity, diversity and inclusion can grow and thrive in the School of Biological Sciences.
EDI Committee Members:
Don Feener, Co-Chair (donald.feener@utah.edu)
Deni Brenes, Co-Chair (Staff) (denise.brenes@utah.edu)
Dean Castillo (dean.castillo@utah.edu)
Tanya Vickers (tanya.vickers@utah.edu)
Kaia Jay (Undergraduate)
Alexandra Acuna (Undergraduate)
Kate Lemons (Graduate) kate.lemons@utah.edu
Jasmine Phan (Graduate)
Karen Zundel (Staff) (zundel@biology.utah.edu)
COS EDI committee liaison: Dave Bowling
See information about the 2020 Diversity Fellows Program
Current Objectives
Develop, deploy and analyze annual EDI climate surveys for students, staff and faculty in SBS. Results of these surveys will be one metric used to measure progress and set future goals.
Increase diversity in the graduate program by hosting an annual Diversity Fellows Workshop and actively recruiting students at the annual SACNAS conference.
Promote community, diversity, and opportunity in SBS hallways through the use of photographs that highlight SBS alumni, learning experiences and programming available to undergraduate and graduate students
Provide resources and training that support instructors in fostering inclusivity in their classrooms.
Highlight world class research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students
Develop best practices for increasing diversity in faculty and staff hirings.
Develop resources for first generation and financially disadvantaged students.
College of Science Resources
https://science.utah.edu/resources/edi_committee/
University Resources:
• American Indian Resource Center (AIRC)
• Black Faculty and Staff Association
• Center for Ethnics Student Affairs (CESA)
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office at the University of Utah
• Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX at the University of Utah
• Office of Inclusive Excellence
• Physics and Astronomy Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• University of Utah SACNAS Chapter
Center for Science and Math Education resources
Resources for Students: https://csme.utah.edu/resources/resources-for-uofu-students/
Resources for Instructors: https://csme.utah.edu/resources/resources-for-faculty/
Contact us
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