The Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Equity Ambassador position was founded in Summer 2020 in response to the civil unrest resulting from the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Its mission is to serve as a reminder that the goal of equity is persistent and enduring. The incumbent will be a current student and dedicate to equity and diversity in all MET programmatic activities, attending all MET policy, curricular, and admissions meetings to assure that equity will be at the forefront of decision-making.
Noah Carrillo and Hannah Richerson serve as the inaugural and current MET Equity Ambassadors. Initiatives that have been taken on include participation in programmatic meetings, development of a seminar shorts devoted to celebrating diversity in the sciences, identification of seminars exploring health disparities, and a full review of written materials of the MET Graduate Program, among other activities. Materials related to their work can be found in the sections below.
If you would like to reach the Equity Ambassadors with ideas or concerns, they can be reached via e-mail.
Equity Ambassador Sponsored Seminars
Diversity in Science Celebrations Seminar Series
“February is Black History Month”
Developed by the Equity Ambassadors, students and faculty presented on the contributions of African-Americans to science.
“March is Women’s History Month”
Developed by the Equity Ambassadors, students and faculty presented on contributions of women in science.
“April is Celebrate Diversity Month”
Discussions led by the Equity Ambassadors, focusing on what recognizing diversity and implicit biases.
MET 800 Outside Speaker Presentations
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and other Health Disparities: How Systemic Bias Impacts Communities of Color, Presented by Gina Green Harris, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships at UW-SMPH, on 04/22/2021.
Other Initiatives
Proposal to 3M for Increased Equity in the Sciences, Submitted February 2021.
Funding request supporting Equity Ambassador stipend and travel expenses for recruiting.