Working DEI Statement*:

The Koerner Biodiversity Lab is committed to fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, promoting fairness and compassion in the workplace, and supporting every member’s diverse background and heritage. The Koerner lab does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or mental/physical ability. We embrace, value, and seek a wide variety of diversity, ideas, and perspectives.​​

In particular, we are committed to:

• Maintaining an environment free of discrimination and harassment
• Creating an environment where individuals can bring their “full selves”
• Developing a sense of belonging and community in the lab for all
• Advocating for individuality and diverse perspectives
• Promoting kindness and understanding in all aspects of work
• Providing educational and professional opportunities based on each individual’s diverse background
• Recognizing inequities and learning how to address them in our lab and discipline

These commitments require learning (and unlearning) as well as continued effort. As such our lab is undertaking the following initiatives:

Professional Training associated DEI:
Participation in a minimum of 1 workshop per year + 1  seminar per semester aimed at increasing DEI awareness and implementation. These activities will be discussed afterwards as a lab to ensure retention and understanding of the activities is shared by all members of the lab.

• Dedicated DEI bi-semester lab meetings.  Read and discuss papers about injustices/inequalities in STEM and/or solutions paired. The aim is to  promote “difficult” conversations and gain the necessary skills to have fruitful and inclusive conversations about these topics. 
• Mentor-mentee meetings yearly to build individualized professional development plans focused on DEI.

 Lab Culture conducive to DEI:

• Work to maintain a positive and inclusive work environment
• Provide feedback in a constructive manner from which all can learn
• Listening to ideas of every lab member

Recruit underrepresented minorities in STEM (Ecology in particular) to the Koerner Lab:

• Provide undergraduate mentorship opportunities to a diverse group of students by (1)advertising broadly and clearly amongst all biology majors (2) accepting students who show eagerness to learn without placing value on previous experience and knowledge, and (3) continuing to accept students regardless of background
• Develop a graduate recruitment plant (in conjunction with the Graduate Studies Committee for the Biology Department) which aims to increase underrepresented groups in the Koerner Lab.

For more information and resources specific to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, see UNCG’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page here.

*Please note, this DEI statement is a working document that will be modified as needed.

CONTACT:  
Dr. Sally Koerner
Sally.Koerner@uncg.edu 
(336) 334-5393
339 Eberhart Building