Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
DEI Committee
Our mission is to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that fosters a sense of belonging and allows for creativity by all. From diversifying recruitment to creating a sense of community we are committed to developing an actively anti-racist Department. We will cultivate and honor the voices of our students, staff, and faculty. We seek to end the social injustices that have plagued our field since its inception, and will hold all members of our Department accountable, to ensure not mere equality but authentic inclusion.
As a Department, our goal is that this committee not simply facilitate specific programs, but rather that the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion permeate all aspects of our programs, our science and our interactions as a community.
Committee Members
Leon Palao III | PhD Candidate | Chair
Nikaela Bryan | Postdoctoral Fellow | Ombudsman
Andrea Andress Huacachino | PhD Candidate
Sanjukta Banerjee | Academic Administrator
Sebastian Dilones | PhD Candidate
Kushol Gupta, PhD | Faculty
Morgan Kelly | Special Programs Coordinator
Ronen Marmorstein, PhD | Faculty
Linamarie Miller, PhD | Postdoctoral Fellow
Vera Moiseenkova-Bell, PhD | Faculty
Janice Reynaga | PhD Candidate
Zarin Tabassum | PhD Candidate
Sarah True | Department Communications Coordinator
Outreach Opportunities
BioEYEs: Mentoring K-12 students and assisting with in-class lab experiments
Road2Research: Student-run organization that aims to foster interest in research and build network of mentors for underserved high school students in Philadelphia. High school students from our partner school, Vaux Big Picture High School, will come to campus once a week for lessons and hands-on labs.
EEJust: Outreach opportunities are sent out via email and listed on BGS newsletter.
Pharm4Good: BGS Pharm students partnered with Upward Bound to teach and mentor high school students. Opportunities are updated on the BGS newsletter.
PennFERBS (Freshman Exposure to Research in Biological Sciences)
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics has joined with the Department of Biology to mentor undergraduate students traditionally underrepresented in the biological sciences. The program provides early exposure to research through structured mentorship, financial support, and career development. As of Spring 2023, we have 15 FERBS scholars within the program. This program was highlighted in online newsletter, PennToday.
Book Club
The DEI Committee hosts a department-wide book club to encourage community gathering and discussions on DEI-related issues. Book club dates will be determined and announced by the committee as they are scheduled. Book suggestions are welcome and encouraged! Please submit your book suggestions here.
DEI Resources
Campus Resources
African American Resource Center
Greenfield Intercultural Center
Makuu, The Black Cultural Center