Biomedical Graduate Students for Diversity (BGSD for short) was founded by a group of neuroscience students wishing to make a long-lasting change following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Originally founded as Neuroscience Graduate Students for Diversity, the group has since grown to include students from multiple biomedical programs. The Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at the College of Medicine prides itself on its inclusive, welcoming and collaborative environment. Building on this, the primary goal of Biomedical Graduate Students for Diversity is to ensure that this environment includes trainees and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The purpose of this group is to increase the sense of community, belonging and support that encompasses the intersectional experiences of diverse staff, trainees and their peers through open and honest conversation and to discuss and promote diversity in all aspects of their experience.

When we say “diversity,” we mean people of all genders, race, ethnicities, sexual orientations, backgrounds and neurodiversity; however, our immediate goal is to foster Black representation in science. Biomedical Graduate Students for Diversity works closely with department faculty to ensure that concrete steps are taken to:

• Increase diversity within the division and the Neuroscience graduate program
• Foster a safe and welcoming environment for members of the division, as well as provide appropriate resources for education, research and outreach for diverse students and staff

Founders, July 2020

Sarah Bennison, Taylor McCorkle, Ashley Opalka, Nancy Mack, Candace Rizzi-Wise, Cassie Alexandropoulos, Ankita Patil, Breanne Pirino, Genevieve Curtis, Miceala O’Reilly

 
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