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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion icon

Spurred by our concern over events in our community, the DEI Task Force was formed to gather more individuals to take action and bring new initiatives to light. With the support of the DEI Advisory Group, the Task Force has accelerated initiatives meant to increase dialogue and work towards a more inclusive environment.

The task force is made up of various members of the IGB community, including faculty members, postdocs, researchers, and staff. It is open to anyone who wants to be a part of the conversations. Here are some frequently asked questions:

How can I join the IGB DEI Task Force?

Anyone within the IGB can join to be a part of the conversation. Email us at DEITF@igb.illinois.edu.

Where can I see past summaries from a typical DEI Task Force meeting?

Visit our Box folder for meeting notes.

What if I’m not sure I want to join, but I’m curious about it?

Email us at DEITF@igb.illinois.edu and we can invite you to attend one of our meetings where you can learn about what we do. Feel free to ask us any questions you have.

DEI Advisory Group

Jessica Brinkworth, Chair

Jessica Brinkworth, Chair

Director’s Faculty Fellow, Professor of Anthropology
GNDP  |  IGOH

Brinkworth’s efforts for STEM inclusion include redesigning lab training and helping establish accountability measures and procedures for the American Association of Biological Anthropologists. She leads the DEI advisory committee in assessing, developing and recommending structures for a positive workplace climate.

Her research focuses on how evolutionary and social environments shape susceptibility to and progression of severe infections and sepsis.

Sara Pedron Haba

Sara Pedron Haba

Research Assistant Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
RBTE

Pedron-Haba is interested in creating initiatives that achieve equity and broad participation of women in STEM. She is a member of the AACR Women in Cancer Research council and the executive board of AWIS-Chicago.

Her research focuses on the design and implementation of biomaterial platforms to investigate the mechanisms of brain cancer progression.

I want to know more about the diversity of IGB. 
How do we measure this and what are we doing about it?

Bring the IGB DEI Task Force your questions and join the conversation to come up with solutions.

DEITF@igb.illinois.edu