In celebration of Black History Month, the Diversity and Inclusion Office will present the series, “Black History Month: A Celebration of Black Excellence at UMass Chan Medical School.”
The hybrid series, held virtually and in person, will highlight the presence and expertise of some of the Black scientists in the UMass Chan community by giving them the opportunity to discuss their research and convey how it solidifies the need for diversity, equity and inclusion in science.
Four speakers will be featured during the month. Brian Lewis, PhD, the George F. Booth Chair in the Basic Sciences, professor of molecular, cell & cancer biology, associate dean for diversity and pre-matriculation programs for the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and assistant vice provost for outreach and recruitment, will discuss his research on Feb. 15.
Ayorkor Gaba, PsyD, assistant professor of psychiatry, will present on Feb. 22; MD/PhD student Zach Dyer on Feb. 27; and Natalie Anumba, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, on Feb. 28.
Registration is required to attend in person; lunch will be provided at the noon presentations and a light dinner at the 4 p.m. presentation.
While academic health sciences institutions are working to recruit more Black scientists, representation is still at a minimum. UMass Chan has a variety of programs in place to help mentor high school and college students in health and science fields, as well as efforts to recruit diverse faculty, staff and students. At the local level, UMass Chan’s pipeline programs nurture the love of science in local, gifted youth underrepresented in science. Its most recent initiative is the Summer Learning Opportunity, which aims to give medical students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in medicine who have completed their first year of medical school a unique clinical experience in their areas of interests at UMass Chan. These efforts are also part of the Medical School’s IMPACT 2025 strategic plan, specifically, the diversity and inclusion pillar.
Feb. 15 at noon with Brian Lewis, PhD
Register: In person
Register: Zoom
Feb. 22 at noon with Ayorkor Gaba, PsyD
Register : In person
Register :Zoom
Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. with Zach Dyer
Register: In person
Register: Zoom
Feb. 28 at noon with Natalie Anumba, PhD
Register: In person
Register: Zoom
