Inclusion & Community

INCLUSION & COMMUNITY

The Department of Neurobiology is a basic science department, which studies the nervous system and its role in health and disease. We are an inclusive and collaborative community of researchers, staff, trainees and administrators, where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the process of scientific discovery, innovation and scholarship.

We are committed to cultivating a welcoming environment that respects the contributions of every member of the department. Our community-building seeks to both advance scientific progress and support training of the next generation of neuroscientists. Together, we encourage open dialogue, mutual respect, and the free exchange of ideas that support the success of all.

We are guided by the Neurobiology Inclusion & Community Working Group, which is composed of faculty, administrative and research staff, and trainees. The group works to identify concerns within the department, and improve communication across the different cohorts. We brainstorm ideas and solutions, which are either directly implemented, or moved on for further consideration by the departmental leadership.

In partnership with the DGSOM Office of Inclusive Excellence, we have been focusing on the following priority areas:

People

Our community is our greatest strength. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all members—faculty, staff, students, trainees, and researchers—feel included and supported, especially the historically underrepresented groups in science.

Community & Climate

We actively listen to our members to ensure an environment of respect, collaboration, and inclusion. Our goal is to create a workplace where every individual, regardless of rank or title, feels heard, valued, and empowered to thrive. We support the following initiatives:

· Parties: We host two community wide departmental parties, our summer Juneteenth celebration, and the end of year Holiday party.

· Departmental Retreat: We come together for an off-site retreat once a year to share new results and network.

· CommuniTEA: A monthly social initiative in which different labs within the department provides snacks from a culture meaningful to them.

· NBWell: A departmental wellness program open to all, that encourages fitness and healthy eating.

· Staff appreciation lunches

Access & Opportunity

We strive to provide equitable access to resources, mentorship, and career development opportunities to ensure that all department members have the tools they need to succeed. We have started the following program:

· Practice Zoom interviews: Postdocs or project scientists on the job market can request a group of faculty to help them to refine their interview technique.

Learning & Growth

We are committed to continuous learning and professional development. Through workshops, training, and discussions, we create opportunities for all department members to expand their knowledge, develop skills, and advance in their careers. These opportunities include:

· Community Conversations Series: A bimonthly gathering where all department members can engage in open discussions about issues impacting the department, university, and wider community.

· NB Academic Skill Building Series: A monthly discussion series focused on the acquisition of academic skills (teaching, grant writing etc.) for trainee, student, and professional researchers.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Our commitment to training neuroscientists extends beyond our department. We provide research experiences for K-12 students in the LA basin, and host undergraduates from small liberal arts colleges and minority-serving institutions for summer programs. By building partnerships with diverse academic institutions, we are expanding access to scientific education and building meaningful connections. New community engagement efforts include:

· UCLA Neurobiology/Delaware State University Exchange Program: A partnership designed to foster the exchange of scientific ideas and build mutual understanding.