Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives

Our lab is committed to enhancing diversity, fostering a sense of belonging, and fighting for equity in our institutions. We acknowledge the pervasiveness of institutional racism and other forms of oppression such as sexism in the sciences and our society. We understand the need to actively address our complacency in its perpetuation. Towards this goal, Margarete leads the DEI committee within the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital and encourages lab members to contribute towards the implementation of its mission and vision. With generous support from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences through the Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD) R01 program, Margarete oversees the implementation of several initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental culture by fostering a welcoming environment where all researchers are empowered to carry out their best science. These initiatives include:

  • Summer Research Trainee Program: The MGH Center for Diversity and Inclusion organizes a summer research program for college and medical school students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in medicine (UiM). More information can be found on their website. Our department hosts 2-3 SRTP students each year.

  • Affinity Spaces: These spaces provide a safe environment for community members to connect with others who share some aspect of their minoritized identities. Affinity spaces are organized by volunteers in the department, who coordinate events such as monthly meetings, outings to culturally relevant events, department-wide celebrations, educational events, or hosting of local speakers.

  • Support for Postbacc Researchers: We provide professional development and networking opportunities through the Mol Bio Postbaccs Resource Group, and the MGB Post-Baccalaureate Association led by Dr. Margie Oettinger.

  • Enhanced Mentorship for Postdocs: We seek to improve the postdoctoral experience in our department by leveraging peer mentorship, promoting inter-lab connections, and facilitating interactions between faculty and postdocs. We also offer career development and leadership workshops for our postdocs.

 
Prior to becoming a group leader, Margarete actively participated in the two important initiatives listed below:

  • In Peru, only 30% of researchers identify as women. To tackle this difficult challenge, the National Council on Science, Technology and Technological Innovation has established a special committee for the advancement of women in science. Our goal is to develop policies, programs and collaborations that help bridge the gender gap in STEM and encourage the participation of women and girls in science. Visit our page here.

  • Research Experience for Peruvian Undergraduates (REPU) is a community of professionals who possess a highly collaborative spirit and who are committed to the development of technological and scientific capacity in Peru. Through this community, we complement the education of talented Peruvian undergraduate students by organizing scientific research internships in the best institutions in the world, as well as other activities that promote their professional development. By pairing interns with Peruvian PhD researchers or postdoctoral fellows in their host institution, our mentorship model is centered around representation. REPU has trained >100 students and helped them gain admission to graduate and PhD programs after completing their internship!