“At MIT Biology, we are proud to identify and recruit students from a broad range of backgrounds, and to support them — with enthusiasm and empathy — on their journey through graduate school. I am gratified by the successes of our many students who never dreamed that they would do a PhD at MIT, but who are thriving and will go on to diversify and enrich the scientific community.” ~ Amy Keating, former Graduate Officer and current Dept. Head
The MIT Department of Biology promotes diversity and inclusion as one of our core values. We welcome and encourage talented individuals of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities, and individuals with disabilities to participate in the Department’s teaching and research endeavors. One of our strengths is a diverse community of scientists, trainees, and staff who share a vision focused on education and discovery, treat each other respectfully, and value each person’s contributions.
Together, we work to understand the foundations of life, and to bring new knowledge to bear on some of the world’s most difficult and pressing problems related to human health, energy, food, and the environment. We advance our collective pursuit of intellectual, creative, and technical excellence by recruiting talented thinkers and doers from all backgrounds and experiences to contribute distinct perspectives and skills.
The Biology Department continually strives to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty, students, and staff in our community and to ensure that all feel welcome. In addition, we continually work to make our community accessible to all qualified individuals. In partnership with the university, we place high value on creating and maintaining a supportive environment for studying, working, and living that promotes physical and mental well-being and allows each individual to reach their full potential.
If you have DEI-related questions or would like to talk, email Hallie Dowling-Huppert, the department’s DEI officer.
In Spring 2022, we published our strategic action plan on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The following sections report on progress and updates to that plan. You will also find additional topics addressed here that were not explicitly included in the strategic plan but that have been added to address the evolving needs of the department. If you have questions, feel free to contact Hallie or the DEI Council representatives.