Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Biostatistics

Mission statement

The mission of the Biostatistics DEI Committee is to challenge systemic inequities in the areas of health, medical, and biological sciences. Along with other divisions in the School of Public Health and the DREAM (Diversity, Respect, Equity, Action, Multiculturalism) Office, the Group in Biostatistics is working to reduce barriers to entry in biostatistics and is committed to fighting against racism, prejudice, and discrimination in order to create welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environments of learning and research.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Biostatistics Division is committed to making our community more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the current Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives:

Peer mentorship program:

Since Spring 2021, we introduced a peer mentorship program to build stronger connections between senior and junior graduate students so that they can thrive in graduate school together. We hope this enables senior students to connect with and help first year students navigate the program by providing advice and answering questions as they transition from coursework to research.

Undergraduates Early Outreach:

The Biostatistics Division has participated in the graduate diversity admissions fair at University of California, Berkeley since 2020. In 2021, we are partnering with the Department of Statistics to launch Zoom panels to introduce the program to undergraduate students who belong to groups historically underrepresented in the graduate programs in related fields. 

Community Outreach Information Collection: 

We are maintaining a collection of service opportunities, with a particular emphasis on STEM mentorship/tutoring programs for underrepresented groups in the field. Please directly comment on the spreadsheet using a Berkeley account to suggest additions or corrections to the list. This includes opportunities at UC Berkeley and in the broader East Bay community. All graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in related fields are encouraged to explore these service opportunities if they are interested.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The Biostatistics DEI Committee has met bi-weekly since Fall 2020 to brainstorm and introduce efforts to make our community more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. All undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and staff who have a question or want to discuss any initiative, idea, or issue related to division equity and inclusion can email us at the biostat-antiracism listserv. 

• DEI faculty advisor: Corinne Riddell
• Student Diversity Fellow: Yutong Wang

Other Biostatistics DEI Committee members include but not limited to: Alejandra Benitez, Philippe Boileau, James Duncan, William Krinsman, Lauren Liao, John Marshall, Aidan McLoughlin, Waverly Wei. (members ordered alphabetically.)

Reporting Incidents of Intolerance or Harassment

Our community endeavors to be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and included. Still, there are times when community members need to report something they’ve experienced or observed. If you have experienced or observed an act of intolerance, harassment and/or violence at UC Berkeley, we encourage you to file a report.

Hate Crimes and Hate-Motivated Acts

You may file a report anonymously or by name on the UC Systemwide Intolerance Reporting Form. You may also choose to file a report with UCPD in 1 Sproul Hall, 510-642-6760 (non emergency) if you experience or observe a Hate Crime.

Visit UC Berkeley’s incident reporting website for links to report incidents and to find more information about:

1. What is a hate crime?
2. What do I do if I become a target of, or witness, a hate crime or hate-motivated act?
3. Will the University take action?
4. On Campus Resources for Education, Advocacy, and Support

Discrimination, Sexual Violence, and Sexual Harassment

Visit UC Berkeley’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination and Addressing Sexual Violence & Sexual Harassment webpages for a wide range of resources including hotlines for victims and survivors, links to report incidents, policy and training information, support services, and more.

If you need any help or would like to talk about reporting incidents of intolerance or harassment, you can contact Quin Hussey, the Assistant Dean for Students in School of Public Health; Lauren M Krupa and Sumaiya Elahi, the Biostatistics Student Service Team; Corinne Riddell, the DEI faculty advisor; or Yutong Wang, the Student Diversity Fellow.

If you would like to report or talk about microaggressions, you can reach out to the DREAM (Diversity, Respect, Equity, Action, Multiculturalism) office, Ché L. Abram, or Quin Hussey.

Additional resources