IWGDI Subcommittees

Equity Subcommittee

Raises awareness on topics relating to gender and historically underrepresented minorities by organizing monthly journal clubs.
Topics covered in 2021 include representation in scientific textbooks, disability and accessibility in academia, challenges for Latinx scientists, creating an inclusive lab environment, mental health, and graduate education.

Receives departmental feedback to create action items to improve diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Coordinate annual diversity and inclusion speaker as part of the Immunobiology seminar series.
Previous speakers and their talks include Professors Richard Goldsby (Thinking Race: Social Myths and Biologic Realities), Elijah Anderson (Blacks in White Spaces), and Mary Lui (Understanding Asian American History and Public Health in the Era of COVID-19).

Compile and develop STEM outreach opportunities within the New Haven community.
Regularly teach an interactive seminar on the principles of immunology underlying vaccination to high school students.
Plan the department's first Day of Immunology, happening in Spring 2022, which will be an annual event for New Haven high schoolers that will consist of interactive workshops, lab tours, and lab demonstrations about basic immunology concepts.

Organize networking and social events for department trainees.
Activities have included hikes to East Rock Park and walks through the Yale Golf Club.

Facilitate the transition of new students prior to their arrival to New Haven and provide guidance throughout the student’s first year in the program.
Created a faculty and graduate student buddy program for incoming first year graduate students.

Organize workshops, discussions, and luncheons to create a better sense of belonging.
Collect input on the state of Yale Health mental health services for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and report feedback to the DGS.
Currently planning luncheons with faculty members to discuss their career path, including successes and dealing with setbacks.

Enhance community and connections within the program as the department continues to grow.
Conducted a departmental survey to identify action items to maintain and strengthen the departmental culture of connectedness and engagement.