Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology strives to respect and acknowledge the experiences of the diverse backgrounds of all people. Our differences drive innovation and foster a collaborative culture that is essential to our educational and research missions.

MBI and CVBI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce in July 2020, to explore existing resources and initiatives available through the university and medical center, and make recommendations to leadership to ensure the department and center consider actions and decision-making always through the lens of diversity and inclusion. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a climate and culture that is welcoming, supportive and continuously improving for our learners, faculty and staff.

Council Activities

• Developed a group that represents grad students, postdocs, faculty, staff, personnel who reside in secondary labs outside of MBI/CVBI, and personnel who do not work in MBI/CVBI, but share our space.
• Reviewed the URMC Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan and compared it against the recommendations included in the #ACTIONSSPEAKLOUDER petition. Discussed at length what recommendations are relevant for our own department and center.
• Developed a survey to gauge the current climate of our department and center with regard to DEI.
• Drafted an inclusion statement, solicited feedback from all department and center personnel, and adjusted the statement per those survey results. 
• Developed a web presence to be used to monitor and report on progress.

Upcoming Events

Start to Finish: The Early Career Woman's Guide to Financial Wisdom

July 12 @ 3:00 PM

Investing and saving strategies for women, core concepts that guide all investing, building a plan and taking action, ways to help take on life challenges without damaging future financial well-being.

10th Annual Brown Bag Series: The Biopsychosocial-Past, Present & Future: A Brown Bag Introduction

July 13 @ 12:00 PM

The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and the Department of Neurology presents captivating discussions and presentations focused on...

Rochester Pride Parade: March with the University of Rochester

July 16 @ 11:00 AM

Corner of Alexander Street and Park Avenue

The University community will march in the Roc Pride Parade! FAQs: Do I have to pay to march in the parade? No. However, if you wish to attend the festival afterward, you will need to purchase tic...

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Trainee Support Group Zoom Meeting

July 21 @ 12:00 PM

The AAPI Trainee Support Committee will host ​a support group meeting on Zoom on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from noon to 1pm. We want to create a safe space for AAPI graduate students and postdoctoral sc...

3rd Biennial Deaf/HH Scientists Roc Conference

August 11 @ 8:00 AM

RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Saunders Research Building at URMC

"The Open Road: Creating Opportunities with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Scientists" This two-day conference will be held on August 11th & 12th in Rochester, NY at the National Technical Institute for the...

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