Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values in the Dr. Silva-Fisher lab.
Our lab understands, accepts, and values the differences between people including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations. Sexism, racism and hate have no place in our lab. We aim to be inclusive in the workplace as a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment that increases the participation and contribution of all staff and trainees.
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In collaboration with the Department of Medicine and The Office of Inclusion and Diversity we seek to promote and support these values within the lab and beyond. This is accomplished by providing resources, available courses, mentorship, and career development.
Lab Diversity Work and Publications
Dr. Silva-Fisher has a long history of conducting and participating in diversity and inclusion efforts. She was the Co-Chair of the Department of Medicine Trainee Inclusion and Cultural Awareness Task Force and is currently working on creating a mentorship program at WUSM for diverse trainees.
She has also been highlighted in the Molecular Cell Journal where she gives her thoughts and experiences being an underrepresented minority in the sciences.
She also serves as a Mentor for the RNA Society.
Publications
Silva-Fisher J, Nervo LM, Addo T, Guerra A, Walker M, Guerrier S, McGill L, Brooks D, Joseph J, Johnson J, Ayombil F, Odinammadu K. Voices on Diversity: Multiple Paths to Becoming a Scientist. Mol Cell. 2020 Dec 3;80(5):752-757. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.11.021. PubMed PMID: 33275884.
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McGill L, Manning Nervo L, Guerrier S, Guerra A, Joseph J, Silva-Fisher J, Addo T, Walker M, Odinammadu K. Voices on Diversity: Overcoming Barriers to Pursuing a Career in Science. Mol Cell. 2020 Dec 17;80(6):929-932. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.11.050. PubMed PMID: 33338406.
Silva-Fisher J, Guerrier S, Nervo LM, Guerra A, McGill L, Brooks D, Joseph J, Walker M, Ayombil F, Odinammadu K. Voices on Diversity: Combating Racial Inequality to Increase Diversity. Mol Cell. 2021 Jan 7;81(1):1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.022. PubMed PMID: 33417852.
McGill L, Brooks D, Joseph J, Silva-Fisher J, Guerrier S, Addo T, Guerra A, Walker M, Johnson J, Ayombil F, Odinammadu K. Voices on Diversity: Creating a Sense of Belonging. Mol Cell. 2021 Jan 21;81(2):213-217. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.045. PubMed PMID: 33482088
Joseph J, Johnson J, Ayombil F, Silva-Fisher J, Guerrier S, Nervo LM, Addo T, McGill L, Brooks D. Voices on diversity: recruiting underrepresented scientists. Mol Cell. 2021 Feb 4;81(3):414-417. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.017. PubMed PMID: 33545055.
Guerra A, Nervo LM, Addo T, Walker M, McGill L, Joseph J, Johnson J, Silva-Fisher J. Voices on diversity: confronting racial bias. Mol Cell. 2021 Feb 18;81(4):639-641. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.026. PubMed PMID: 33606970.
Nervo LM, Ayombil F, Addo T, Guerra A, Walker M, McGill L, Joseph J, Silva-Fisher J. Voices on diversity: support systems that work. Mol Cell. 2021 Mar 4;81(5):885-888. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.027. PubMed PMID: 33667376
Resources
Washington University in St. Louis
John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, The Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID)
Washington University School of Medicine DE&I
Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity programs (For international students – all programs)
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Academy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity programs (For students and faculty – MD program)
Forum for LGBTQIA and OUTmed/Allies
Supporting Underrepresented minorities for Connections, Community,Engagement,Service and Society (SUCCESS) Program
Forum for Underrepresented in Medicine (URM)
Forum for Women in Medicine (FWIM)
Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Opportunities in Genomics Research (OGR)
Mentorship and Career Development
Provided by Dr. Silva-Fisher
Dr. Silva-Fisher is the Co-Director of the Mentorship to Enhance Diversity in Academia (MEDA) Program.
In addition to personalized mentorship by Dr. Silva-Fisher you may also participate in The MEDA program. It provides trainees with support, resources, personalized guidance, and engaging opportunities they need to become successful at WUSM and in their future careers. The objectives of the MEDA program are to provide academic and career mentorship for URM trainees by 1) facilitating connections with leaders through an online database, 2) providing personalized career development and funding opportunities, and 3) developing community and support.
Career Development
An individual development plan will be created for trainees (staff are welcomed to participate as well) in the laboratory. This will be facilitated by using Science Careers myIDP. Dr. Silva-Fisher will have yearly meetings with trainees to about career development progress.