Climate and Diversity

We understand diversity to refer to the ways in which individuals may differ according to race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, class, and religion, among other factors. We understand climate to refer to the way it feels to be at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as faculty, student, or staff.  It's the way people interact with each other.  It's the working and learning environment.  It's the extent to which each individual is valued and respected independent of the factors listed above. The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has a standing Committee on Climate and Diversity charged with seeking to improve the climate in the department, to increase the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff, and to create opportunities designed to increase the diversity of the next generation of academic scientists.

Initiatives currently underway:

The department Climate and Diversity Committee sponsors several events each year. Fall semester begins with an "All Welcome" gathering and ice cream social to

introduce new faculty, staff and graduate students. Towards the end of fall semester, the committee oraganizes the holiday service project. Through a group, "Young People Who Care," individuals, clubs and laboratory groups purchase many items: infant, toddler and youth clothes, baby supplies, blankets, alarm clocks, hygiene products, as well as cash donations to help needy families in Centre, Jefferson and Clinton Counties. In April, the Climate and Diversity Committee organizes the department?s celebration of "Staff Appreciation Day". A reception, sponsored by the entire faculty, is held in the Gateway of the new Life Sciences Building to honor business, clerical and technical staff in the department for their valuable contributions. Each of the 19 staff members is recognized and receives a gift certificate. With a grant from the Dean's office, the committee has been working with Professor Keith Cummings and Ms. Hayley Freilich (Schreyer Scholar) of the Graphic Arts Department to produce posters and photographic collages to celebrate the diversity of science and individuals in the department.

2009/2010 BMB Climate and Diversity Committee:

James G. Ferry, Chair

Anton Nekrutenko, Co-Chair

Ann Marie Daniel

Hasan Koc

Melissa Rolls

Related links and other resources:

• The Eberly College of Science’s Climate and Diversity website:http://www.science.psu.edu/diversity/climate/index.html

• The Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity

• Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity

• Fostering a Workplace Climate for Diversity (http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/foster.pdf)

• State College Community Diversity Group The State College Community Diversity Group (CDG) is a local coalition of community members from private business, government, Penn State University, non-profit organizations and private citizens whose mission is to foster an INCLUSIVE community, which attracts and retains a pool of potential employees from ethnically underrepresented groups. On this website you will find a diversity calendar of events along with a resource listing for everything from ethnic hair care and groceries to spiritual affiliations and international communities.