Diversity Statement
The UCLA BRI embraces equity, diversity, and inclusiveness; we believe in an inclusive approach to STEM programs where equal opportunities and equitable outcomes can exist for all our trainees. More importantly, all members of the BRI have a voice and are encouraged to contribute to our community even beyond their academic excellence. The BRI strives to acknowledge the systemic effects that follow disparities in socioeconomic backgrounds, race, gender, sexuality, or additional factors which serve as barriers to success in academia. Through its ongoing education and outreach efforts, the BRI aspires to impart neuroscience knowledge especially to the underserved communities and is committed to encourage changes that will create and maintain opportunities for engagement, education, and discourse.
Progress in science relies on collaborations. The BRI supports initiatives that foster open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness among individuals and groups. People coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, with different perspectives, that can ask different questions, and that can be creative and innovative, are the ones that will drive science forward.
For EDI resources please visit https://equity.ucla.edu/edi-ucla/
Experiencing Microagression, Mistreatment or Disrespect
If you are the subject of, or witnessed mistreatment or behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to report the incident in a manner that seems appropriate to you. The following individuals from the BRI have volunteered to confidentially listen to your concerns and help you find an appropriate solution:
Larone Ellison, Administrative Specialist (laroneellison@mednet.ucla.edu)
Gina Poe, Director of Diversity and Outreach (ginapoe@ucla.edu)
Felix Schweizer, Interim Director (felixs@ucla.edu)
Melissa Sharpe, SfN Chapter President (melissa.j.sharpe@psych.ucla.edu)
We are working on an confidential and anonymous reporting portal. In the meantime, especially if you are a trainee, we encourage you to use the Graduate Program in Biosciences portal: https://bioscience.ucla.edu/research-trainee-mistreatment/. This site also has very useful additional information.