Diverse Community of Scholars

"Diversity is truly a privilege few get to experience. It is rare in this day and age to be in an environment where you regularly commingle with others of different ethnicity, political leanings, religious inclinations, nationality, and even financial background. This type of diversity serves not only as a catalyst for open discussion and learning, but as a tool to expand your comfort zone. Washington University provides this form of diversity due to its urban setting and vast foundation of outstanding students and faculty of all backgrounds, both scientific and personal."

--Victor Villalobos, MSTP Student - Chemical Biology Program, El Paso, Texas

"Washington University is a relatively diverse institution given that it’s in the Midwest. It’s an institution that is trying very hard in advocating for diversity. Washington University offers a very inviting and accommodating environment. There are student associations that organize different events that expose the Washington University community to different cultures.
I am very curious about cultures other than mine; interacting with people from different ethnic or socio-economic background enhances my personal life. The diversity in the lab environment helps me get along with people and adds tremendous excitement to my daily work."

--Serawit Bruck, PhD Student - Molecular Biophysics Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia



"As with all walks of life, diversity allows us to look at a problem from many viewpoints, thus increasing the chance that we will find the answers to our questions. I think every person at Washington University — student, staff, and faculty alike — benefit from these varied views; hence this is an indispensable aspect of any research environment. Washington University has made some great strides over the last few years to increase diversity and has made a commitment to continue to expand its diversity programs. This will only strengthen our research community."

--Sheila Stewart, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology & Physiology and of Medicine


"I really feel like Washington University is a place where every student, regardless of color or any other characteristic is provided with a unique and excellent education. As a graduate student at Washington University, I have participated in the Young Scientist Program (for underrepresented high school students) and the Biomedical Research Apprenticeship program (for underrepresented undergraduates). In addition, myself and many other graduate students have been involved in efforts to recruit more quality applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Washington University even sent me to attend a national forum on increasing diversity in the sciences. In short, when it comes to promoting diversity Washington University talks the talk and walks the walk."

--Keoni Kauwe, PhD Student - Evolution, Ecology & Population Biology Program, Kaunakakai, Hawaii


"I think Washington University as an institution is very aware of issues relating to diversity. In my experience, many people here are genuinely interested in learning about different cultures, and this is an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their cultural and religious beliefs with others.
The diversity at Washington University enhances my educational experience by giving me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and beliefs. It broadens my world view by exposing me to individuals with experiences and beliefs different than my own."

--David Strong, MSTP Student - Immunology Program, Southfield, Michigan




"Washington University is a wonderful environment for a post-doctoral researcher. I grew up in a fairly diverse environment in New Jersey, and it was a smooth transition coming to the community here at Washington University. The intellectual diversity at DBBS is reflected in its cultural diversity. I've met several other post-docs from different labs through social functions sponsored by the Post-Doc Society and found it refreshing to know that I'm not the only one that comes from a culturally unique background. At these and other functions, I feel that people value and are interested in learning more about others with different backgrounds and experiences. Though we all come from different backgrounds, we are also united through the common goal of conducting innovative and exciting science. I have also found the Post-Doc Society to be an invaluable source for career planning, and not many other institutions have this supportive network for post-docs. This is a big advantage Washington University and DBBS has over other institutions, as far as the post-doc experience goes."

--David T. Hsu, PhD, Postdoc Research Associate, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology