Department Culture
The study of physiology, how living systems function from the sub-cellular level to the whole organism, benefits from a wide range of technical approaches and conceptual insights that drive groundbreaking paradigms and research advances. These innovations stem from bringing together individuals with varied training, perspectives, and experiences. The most effective way to support this breadth is by fostering an open and welcoming research community grounded in equal opportunity, which fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.
Mission Statement
We share a common commitment to ensure equal opportunity in the development and support of the next generation of scientists.
Our goal is to provide resources and opportunities for teaching, training, mentorship, collaborations, and academic exchange within our Department and across the University. The Committee has launched several key initiatives to support this goal, including: DOPAMINE (Department of Physiology Alliance for Mentorship, Interconnectedness, Networking, and Enrichment), a platform that encourages scientific, professional, and interpersonal development, a seminar series that highlights exceptional scientists who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives, and outreach to early-career scientists for department-sponsored research opportunities.
Our events are centered around supporting the faculty, staff, postdoc, and students in the Physiology Department. We also encourage undergraduate and high school students to participate in many events. We work to cultivate a community where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We are committed to the ideal that an open and supportive environment fuels innovation and excellence in research.
Resources
Student organizations:
- Biomedical Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
- Department of Physiology Alliance for Mentorship, Interconnectedness, Networking & Enrichment (DOPAMINE)
- EE Just Biomedical Society
- UPenn SACNAS Chapter
- LTBGS+ at Penn
- Peer Support Network
- Penn Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (PGWISE)
- Penn Science Policy & Diplomacy Group (PSPDG)
Information, counseling and support:
- African-American Resource Center (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (students)
- Employee Assistance Program (staff or faculty)
- PennCOBALT (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of the Chaplain (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Faculty Affairs (faculty)
- Office of the Ombuds (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Staff and Labor Relations (staff)
- Penn Violence Prevention (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Penn Women’s Center (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Special Services Department, Division of Public Safety (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Student Health Service (students)
- Student Intervention Services (students)
- Vice Provost for University Life (students)
Equal opportunity:
- Penn Bias Incident Reporting Form (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Programs (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Institutional Compliance (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Student Conduct (trainees, staff, faculty)
- Office of Staff and Labor Relations (staff)
- Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty (faculty)
