Vision & Mission
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)
- College of Science EDI committee liaison: Dave Bowling
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.
Diversity Fellows
2021 Diversity Fellows
The School of Biological Sciences’ annual Diversity Fellows Program supports Fellows who are applying to Biology graduate programs. The Diversity Fellows who (1) identify with axes of diversity which have been historically excluded from STEM and (2) aim to enter a Biology graduate program within the next 1-3 years are welcome to apply. We especially encourage applications from those who identify with marginalized communities. We aim to build a more equitable Biology community where people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, undocumented, and first-generation students are welcome and valued in scientific research. We solicit applications each fall and will post an application link when the application period is open.
The School of Biological Sciences held a virtual Diversity Fellows workshop on November 7, 2020. At the virtual workshop, the Diversity Fellows worked on aspects of their applications to Biology graduate programs, or get resources to support their STEM careers. Supportive materials from the workshop can be found here.
Questions about the 2021 event, please contact Andy Sposato or Thien Vu or School of Biological Sciences Graduate Program Office - (801) 581-5636.
College of Science EDI Committee
The College of Science established an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee to promote awareness and active practices to increase diversity on our campus. The committee will work as an advisory body to the College of Science Dean, while also working on initiatives to increase the diversity of students, faculty and staff at the College.
University Resources
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Prospective Students