Diversity Initiatives

Gender equity and ethnic diversity are embedded in our educational objectives and are described in detail in our strategic plan for excellence diversity. The complete plan is included in Appendix VIII of this report. The BMES seeks to increase the diversity of its participants at all levels. Specific diversity goals of the education program include:

·        Increase the diversity of faculty involved in the BMES through recruitment

·        Increase diversity of students (undergraduate and graduate) participating in BMES research and education programs

·        Increase diversity of students recruited to undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical engineering

·        Utilize Los Angeles and Southern California as an educational environment where learning has no boundaries

 

The BMES Diversity Plan includes on both short and long term efforts to increase the numbers of underrepresented minorities and women in all roles at all levels of the center. This common goal of increasing diversity is shared and supported by the senior leadership as well as the senior administration of each partner institution. To attract more women and underrepresented minority faculty to the BMES ERC, we have secured four positions and are actively recruiting. This past year, we have interview four potential candidates (3 Hispanic and 1 woman). BMES seeks to supply such candidates to the academic pipeline by recruiting and training diverse populations of students from K-12 to undergraduate to graduate levels. In particular, BMES has implemented aggressive recruitment initiatives at the undergraduate level by increasing nationwide awareness of BMES summer programs through the website, flyer dissemination, and seminars. In addition, BMES has made a dramatic impact in increasing undergraduate research participation by working closely with diversity and student organizations as well as securing research funding for undergraduate researchers from multiple sources (Merit Scholar Program, WiSE Undergraduate Research Grants, McNair Scholars Program, REU, and TCUP REU). The emphasis on undergraduate research will lead to attract more diverse populations of students for our graduate programs. To attract more graduate students, similar tactics of increasing nationwide awareness with an emphasis on recruiting forums (conferences, recruiting events, seminars) and securing fellowships and top-off awards have been implemented.