Diversity & Inclusion

Department of Microbiology Values and Goals

The Department of Microbiology at UMass Amherst supports a diverse and inclusive community. Our core values form the centerpiece of our departmental mission.

Statement of Value: The faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students in the Microbiology Department are committed to promoting a departmental climate of inclusion and respect. We support a diverse and inclusive community. We value and actively promote a faculty, staff, postdoctoral, and student community of diverse race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, political belief or affiliation, marital status, veteran status, immigration status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected by state or federal laws.

Free and Open Expression: We will take action to ensure that every community member is empowered to take full advantage of the opportunities for learning, discovery, and personal growth offered at UMass. We engage in open, respectful discourse and the exchange of ideas from a wide variety of perspectives. We welcome feedback from all community members and pledge to respond to community needs and concerns.

Commitment to Teaching and Research Excellence: We are committed to teaching, researching and expanding the discipline of microbiology, using diverse molecular, genetic, physiological, ecological, evolutionary and engineering approaches to understand microbial systems. We are committed to train scientists who value societal contribution and collegiality and who work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind. We uphold the principles of the scientific method through our research, actions, and communications.

Inclusive and Supportive Community: We affirm that nothing takes precedence over the physical and mental health and wellness of our community members. We provide a safe environment for learning, working, and living in which everyone can thrive. All community members treat one another with respect and professionalism. We acknowledge that the hierarchy within academia results in power imbalances. Regardless of a community member’s status as a student, faculty member, postdoctoral associate or fellow, scientific staff member, or other staff member, we do not permit any unequal power dynamics to affect our commitment to these shared values. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. We will comply with the letter and spirit of the law and UMass policy when responding to discrimination and harassment.

Climate Committee Members:

Wilmore Webley, Faculty & Chair
Emily Bechtold, Graduate Student
Mallory Choudoir, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Erika Hamilton, Lecturer
Lorell Perreault, Staff Member
Aliaya Robinson, Undergraduate Student

Resources for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

UMass College of Natural Sciences

UMass Amherst