Docherty Lab
microbial ecology

 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity in the Docherty Lab 

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In our lab, we take pride in our actions and commitment to life-long learning about how to create an inclusive environment for everyone to learn, grow, and realize their goals.

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Specifically:

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1) Through reading, seminars, workshops, and conversations, we continually educate ourselves on how issues of racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination affect us all, particularly regarding STEM education and the field of ecology.

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2) We meet everyone in the group where they are in their educational process and take an individualized approach to mentoring.

e.g. See Graduate Student Expectations Document

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3) We are committed to reducing barriers to success and doing our part to eliminate systemic discrimination and inequity through open conversation and transparency.  

e.g. See Demystifying the Graduate Application Process Document

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4) We are empowered to disrupt biased or discriminatory behavior when we see it and advocate for systemic change.

e.g. Kathryn and all grad students have completed WMU's H.E.R.O.S Bystander Intervention training program.

5) We recruit students from historically excluded minorities in STEM to join our research group.  We celebrate different perspectives from different lived experiences by working in diverse and collaborative teams, and encourage equitable distribution of labor and recognition.

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6) We create safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments in the classroom, laboratory, and field. We admit if we make mistakes and are committed to learning from them.

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7) We have fun doing our best science by having a strong work ethic while prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health of all lab group members.