Our Mission
The Diversity and Inclusion Office encourages and supports the educational and working environment of students, faculty, and staff in order to have a positive effect on the health experiences of diverse communities. Consequently, the Diversity and Inclusion Office will support and promote all research efforts that recognize and value diversity and inclusion as a tool to reduce health inequities and improve the health of historically marginalized and underserved populations.
Diversity and equity are essential to the development of future leaders in healthcare and research; they enrich intellectual development, academic discourse, patient care, and research. Our office commits to developing innovative programs that educate, recruit, and retain a diverse, multicultural community of faculty, students, staff, and trainees.
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Diversity Deans & Staff:
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Contact
cameddeia@bu.edu
617-358-7508
760 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02118
R-703
DEI in Graduate Medical Sciences
Graduate Medical Sciences:
https://www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/dei/
Pathway Programs
ESSP:
The Emerging Scientific Scholars Program (ESSP) is a professional development program for doctoral students in the biomedical sciences from backgrounds historically excluded from the sciences. In the pre-matriculation phase, our program aims to provide students with the mentoring and support they need to initiate their graduate studies at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. We will provide peer and faculty mentoring upon arrival to ease the transition and help students navigate the hidden graduate school curriculum. The program is designed to strengthen each cohort as a community of scholars to increase feelings of belonging.
AHA Sure:
The American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is a 10-week mentored research experience focused on cardiovascular and brain research. The program provides underrepresented undergraduate students hands-on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health research opportunities. This initiative fosters mentorship, professional development, and academic growth while promoting diversity and inclusion in medical research. Participants engage in a transformative summer experience, gaining critical skills and insights into biomedical science and public health.
BU STaRS
The STARS (Summer Training as Research Scholars) Program at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is a premier summer research initiative designed to provide undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds with hands-on research experience in the biomedical sciences. Over 10 weeks, participants engage in mentored research projects, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities to prepare them for advanced studies and careers in STEM fields. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a supportive environment for future leaders in science and medicine.
BU PREP
The Boston University Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (BU PREP) is a year-long initiative designed for recent bachelor’s degree recipients aiming to enter competitive PhD programs in biomedical sciences. The program focuses on fostering mentoring relationships to enhance both personal and scientific development, particularly for individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Participants are paired with Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty, gain access to advanced research facilities, and receive comprehensive advising to create personalized career plans. The curriculum includes seminars, workshops, journal clubs, and the option to enroll in PhD-level courses. Supported by an NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant, BU PREP offers five annual research assistantships, each providing a yearly stipend.
ACS DICR
The American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows Program at Boston University is a two-year initiative designed to enhance diversity in the cancer research workforce by supporting individuals from underrepresented groups in biomedical science. Scholars conduct in-depth biomedical research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, leading to a defined project while developing the skills and support necessary for success in cancer research careers.
Supported by the American Cancer Society grant, the program offers research assistantships, annual stipends, personalized advising, and enrichment activities, such as seminars, graduate-level courses, and professional development workshops. Fellows also benefit from access to support services, opportunities to present at scientific meetings, and networking events to foster personal and scientific growth. Faculty mentors are drawn from various Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine departments, providing participants with a robust foundation for their future in the cancer research workforce.
SPIN
The Summer Program in Neuroscience (SPIN) at Boston University offers an immersive 8-week experience at the School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of neuroscience and its intersection with medicine.
The program combines clinical exposure, didactic sessions, and mentored research to deepen participants’ understanding of neuroscience and biomedical science. SPIN is designed to nurture research skills and career aspirations, equipping students with the knowledge and experience to pursue advanced biomedical research or medicine careers. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the program serves as a platform for participants to gain hands-on research experience and explore the complexities of the brain in relation to medical science.
CARE
The Addiction Medicine Clinical Research Training Program (CARE) at Boston University is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in addiction medicine through a comprehensive approach. The program conducts cutting-edge research, educates health professionals, provides high-quality health care, and informs clinical and public health practices and policies.
CARE aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by unhealthy alcohol and drug use by integrating research and education into actionable solutions. Participants engage in research and training opportunities to prepare them for impactful careers in clinical practice, public health, and addiction medicine. CARE bridges the gap between research, education, and policy through its interdisciplinary initiatives to promote better outcomes for individuals and communities.
BEAMS
The BEAMS (Boston Educational Access to Medical Sciences) Program at Boston University aims to diversify the healthcare workforce by inspiring and supporting underrepresented youth from Boston and surrounding areas.
Through career exploration and mentoring in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM), BEAMS provides students with valuable opportunities to explore STEMM fields and envision future careers in healthcare. The program fosters a supportive environment for participants to develop skills, gain insights into healthcare and medical sciences, and connect with mentors who guide them toward achieving their academic and professional goals. BEAMS is committed to building a more inclusive and representative healthcare workforce for the future.
MSSRP
The Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) at Boston University offers mentored research experiences for medical students during the summer between their first and second years of medical school.
This program allows students to engage in hands-on research projects across various medical disciplines, fostering their investigative skills and enhancing their understanding of biomedical research. MSSRP pairs participants with experienced faculty mentors who guide them through the research process, helping to build a strong foundation for future careers in medicine and research. This immersive experience allows students to deepen their knowledge and contribute to advancements in medical science.
BU-BMC
The BU-BMC Summer Science Scholars Program introduces local high school students to the exciting world of scientific research through a week-long immersive experience in research labs at Boston University and Boston Medical Center.
Participants explore various aspects of scientific inquiry and gain hands-on experience working alongside researchers in state-of-the-art facilities. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in the research process and learn about potential careers in science and medicine. This initiative fosters curiosity, builds foundational knowledge, and promotes interest in STEM fields among high school students from the local community.
AID-GC
The AID-GC Undergraduate Internship at Boston University is designed to recruit and support aspiring genetic counselors from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, first-generation college students, and those from low-income families.
This program provides a comprehensive introduction to genetic counseling, equipping participants with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to pursue careers in this growing area of healthcare. Through immersive experiences, tailored guidance, and exposure to the profession, AID-GC fosters a more inclusive and representative genetic counseling workforce.
EPGRAD
The Expanding the Pipeline to Graduate Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (EPGRAD) program, hosted in Boston as part of the BU branch through George Washington University, is a summer education and research training program designed for undergraduate students.
The program aims to inspire and support students, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue advanced studies and careers in medicine, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). EPGRAD provides participants hands-on research experience, educational opportunities, and mentorship to prepare them for impactful careers in ADRD research and STEM fields.
DEI Resources and Groups for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Check out these resources: