Diversity in Biochemistry: Addressing Racial & Social Justice

The members of the Department of Biochemistry are committed to increasing and promoting diversity, inclusion and equity in their teaching and research activities. We are dedicated to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students, staff and faculty including those from under-served and under-represented communities.

Together, we are working on:

Community participation in reflective exercises, activities and dialogue around inclusion and diversity topics such as personal engagement, biases, and inclusive pedagogy.

Supporting our under-represented minority (URM) students, staff and faculty as we take part of their training and their career by acknowledging the complexity of their experiences within the realm of academia and creating individualized advising and/or professional development plans where necessary. 

Prioritizing the recruitment and retention of diverse students, staff and faculty, through intentional networking, decreasing barriers to experiential learning activities, and using an inclusive pedagogy approach in our classes. 

Reviewing our curriculum and governing documents for any systemic injustices.

Highlighting our diverse community initiatives including the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion committee and the 2-year HHMI cohort.

Here are examples of outreach events and DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) initiatives that we've participated in or created: 

• EngelPalooza
• Theater Delta
• The Black College Institute
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through a STEM Lens Seminar, presented by Dr. Monica Motley
• Application Fee Waiver for Biochemistry Graduate Programs
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• VT-Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)
• Biochemistry DEI Committee
  Chloé Lahondère, Chair
  Contact: lahonder@vt.edu
  Thuc Anh Dinh, Grad Student Representative
  Contact: thucanhdinh@vt.edu
  Lisa Jones, Staff Representative
  Contact: lijones5@vt.edu
  Anne Brown, Caitlin Cridland, Kristopher Hite, Amy Rasor, Daniel Slade (Faculty Representatives)