Our laboratory is committed to fostering a community that is diverse in perspectives and with respect to identities related to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ableness, socioeconomic backgrounds, and other aspects of personal identity. We know that certain demographics have been historically excluded from STEM disciplines, and that building a more diverse and inclusive research community will not only improve our research environment but also enhance STEM innovation.

Our focal discipline – human evolutionary biology – lies at the intersection of scientific fields that have histories of perpetuating scientific racism. We know through the study of human biology and human variation that race is not a valid biological concept. Nevertheless, our discipline has historically used false and invalid science to establish and maintain racist systems of oppression (read more here). Our laboratory seeks to counter the harmful historical impacts of our discipline, and to create an environment where scientists from all backgrounds can thrive. Our approaches include but are not limited to:

• Understanding and critically evaluating the societal impacts of past and contemporary research, in laboratory journal club discussions

• Critically evaluating our laboratory and field research approaches, and continually amending those approaches to match our values

• Emphasizing the laboratory as a space for mutual learning and accountability, and not a hierarchy of power

• Evaluating prospective students on the totality of their experiences and interests, rather than solely based on GPA or test scores

As lab director, I value feedback on how these practices can be improved, and I seek the input of my student researchers in the formation of all lab policies.