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.
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.
Interview with Dr. Silva-Fisher for graduate students
Dr. Silva-Fisher gives her thoughts to WUSTL DBBS students right before she opened her lab (2020) on her projection, mentorship, navigating difficult conversations, motivations, community, IDP, and advise for diverse students.
*SUCCESS program is now MEDA Program
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 the Director of a new mentorship program "MEDA" 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 and is on the DEI Committee 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.
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
Mentorship and Career Development
Provided by Dr. Silva-Fisher
Dr. Silva-Fisher is the 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.
Dr. Silva-Fisher is a Founder and Secretary of the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Women Physicians and Scientists Group
Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Women Physicians and Scientists Group began 2021. Dr. Silva-Fisher is the one of the founders of the group and currently serves as the Secretary. She sits on the election board and is currently in charge of recruitment and program development.
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.
Dr. Silva-Fisher is the Advisor for the Diversity in Cancer Research High School Initiative
Washington University Cancer Research Club aims to make high level academic research more accessible to the undergraduate population at Washington University in St. Louis. WUSTL Cancer Research Club has sparked a collaboration with Science Coach, a structured network of mentors and teachers that enables local high school students to explore a research topic that interests them, and Siteman Cancer Center to establish a pipeline for local high school students to conduct research at labs in the Siteman Cancer Center.