Mission Statement
We value diverse experiences and perspectives. We strive to create a welcoming and respectful learning environment that promotes access, opportunity, and justice for all. We are firmly committed to supporting activities that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Goals
UW Pharmacology is working towards four goals outlined in the University of Washington Diversity Blueprint 2022-2026
- Cultivate and communicate our commitment to diversity
- Attract, retain and advance an excellent and diverse workforce
- Foster and sustain a welcoming climate for diversity and outreach
- Improve accountability and transparency
EDI Initiatives
The EDI committee supports a number of community outreach and research mentorship programs. More info on these programs is on the department outreach page.
- K-12 outreach programs: HuSCI outreach, FEEDBACK, STEM Pals, AVELA
- Research opportunities: BioSTEP Scholars, ENDURE, Rainier Scholars
Other initiatives supported by the EDI committee include:
- EDI focused seminar series
- Periodic department climate surveys
- Annual virtual open house for prospective graduate students
- Quarterly newsletter
Resources
Parental and Family resources:
The Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides salary support during leave following childbirth, adoption, or to care for a sick family member, for up to 12 weeks (16 weeks for a birth parent). More information about UW leave policies for students, faculty, and staff.
Graduate students in need of childcare can apply for financial help from the UW Childcare Assistance Program. Additional resources on childcare can be found here, including information on emergency backup childcare.
Lactation rooms are available in the T wing of the Health Sciences Building. Apply for access here.
Faculty can extend their NIH Early Stage Investigator status following childbirth or other qualifying events. Click here for more information.
Mental health resources:
The DEI committee strongly advocates for mental well-being and is open to brave dialogue on mental health issues. We support everyone seeking mental health support and encourage anyone in need to visit the Mental Health | Husky Health & Well-Being
We also strongly encourage the practice of routine self-care. In case you need to build a self-care plan, the UW recreation center has great tips on how to do this: Self-Care | Husky Health & Well-Being
Graduate students, faculty, and staff who seek mental health support through external medical providers are also supported through their health insurance. Graduate students also have access to the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center serenity space.
Campus-wide EDI resources:
The Pharmacology Department EDI committee supports campus-wide DEI initiatives and encourages everyone to participate in them. Listed below are some of these resources.
Transgender Resources– Offers guidance on issues such as gender-affirming healthcare insurance & benefits and name changes in UW systems & Workday.
Disability Resources for Students– Coordinates academic and housing accommodations for enrolled students with disabilities or temporary health conditions.
Foundation for International Understanding through Students– A nonprofit organization founded on campus at the University of Washington and focused on promoting international understanding and community.
Alene Moris Women’s Center– Offers transitional support and free advising for those returning to work after time away.
Reporting Misconduct:
UW Medicine Bias Reporting Tool: https://equity.uwmedicine.org/bias-reporting-tool/
Upper Campus Bias Reporting Tool: https://www.washington.edu/bias/
These tools are intended to formally report any “bias incident” which is any form of discrimination, bullying, microaggression, or harassment against a member of the university community based on perception of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability or veteran status. You can report if you experienced or witnessed the bias incident.
Diversity Committee Members
Want to join the EDI committee or become involved in outreach? Contact phcol@uw.edu
Faculty:
Smita Yadav, PhD, Committee co-chair
Larry Zweifel, PhD, Committee co-chair
Marta Soden, PhD
Postdocs:
Brandy Briones, PhD
David Marcus, PhD
Graduate Students:
Dez Coleman
Abi Elerding
Kaylin Ellioff
Chrystal Guzman
Maryanne Kihiu
Carlie Neiswanger
Marta Trzeciak
Cat Zamorano
Staff:
Debbie Bale
Cindy Valerio