===== Statement:

The Björkman lab strives to understand the interface of viruses and the immune system and we believe building a supportive lab is key to achieving this goal. Our research relies on the combined strengths of individuals from different backgrounds and with different identities, each of whom makes unique contributions to our lab’s work. By assembling an supportive team, we feel better equipped with the ideas, perspectives, and skills necessary to take on difficult problems and make a meaningful impact.

In our lab, all members are responsible for creating a safe, supportive lab environment where individuals from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to succeed regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability. Our lab is committed to supporting people of color, LGBTQ+, and international researchers, among others. We believe this is important not only to advancing science but also to enriching lab culture, increasing awareness and support for science, and creating a more equitable society.

More information about community development efforts within the Biology and Biological Engineering department at Caltech can be found here: https://www.bbe.caltech.edu/diversity

Tips on how to be a supportive lab member:

https://givingvoice.caltech.edu/raise-awareness/inclusive-environment

===== Resources:

Caltech Equity and Title IX Office:
https://titleix.caltech.edu/

Caltech (CID):
http://diversity.caltech.edu/resources

Caltech Safe Zone Training:
https://diversity.caltech.edu/resources/workshops-trainings/safe-zone-101

https://diversity.caltech.edu/resources/workshops-trainings/safe-zone-201

Caltech Workshops and Training:
https://diversity.caltech.edu/resources/workshops-trainings

Caltech Diversity in Chemistry Initiative:
https://www.cce.caltech.edu/dei-in-cce/dei

Black in Neuro:
https://x.com/BlackInNeuro

Black in Cell, Molecular, and/or Developmental Biology:
https://x.com/blackincmdbio

Black in Immunology:
https://x.com/blackinimmuno

Black in Microbiology:
https://blackinmicrobiology.org/

#BLACKandSTEM

SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science):
https://www.sacnas.org/

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS):
https://www.abrcms.org/

Leading Edge:
https://www.leadingedgesymposium.org/about/

===== Resources in BBE-related fields:

Biochemistry, Structural and Molecular Cell Biology:
ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) program for MOSAIC scholars https://www.asbmb.org/diversity/mosaic

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: https://www.asbmb.org/diversity/resources

Biological Engineering:
Biomedical Engineering Society: https://www.bmes.org/diversity

Computation and Neural Systems: 
Computing Research Association: https://cra.org/diversity/

Developmental Biology and Genetics:
Society for Developmental Biology:  https://www.sdbonline.org/choose_development

Evolutionary and Organismal Biology: 
https://diversifyeeb.com/
Society for Conservation Biology North America: https://scbnorthamerica.org/index.php/scbna-allyship-program/

Microbiology and Immunology:
Black in Immuno: https://www.blackinimmuno.org/

Neuroscience:
Society of Neuroscience: https://www.sfn.org/initiatives/diversity-initiatives
Alba Network: http://www.alba.network/

===== Resources for Women in STEM:

Caltech Women in Biology and Biological Engineering:
https://wibbe.caltech.edu/

Caltech Women in Chemistry:
https://wic.caltech.edu/

Graduate Women in STEM:
https://www.gwis.org/ 

Women's Engagement Board:
https://ccid.caltech.edu/buildcommunity/affinity-groups/womens-engagement-board

Committee on Women in Science, Engineering and Medicine:
https://www.nationalacademies.org/cwsem/committee-on-women-in-science-engineering-and-medicine

=====Media of Interest:

A History of Public Schools in/around Pasadena
https://www.pbs.org/video/can-we-all-get-along-ssbdcv/
At his 30th high school reunion filmmaker Pablo Miralles questions what has happened to his once integrated public high school in Pasadena, CA. Later he reflects on whether or not to send his own son to the school today. Gradually he begins to understand how perceptions and policies have created almost insurmountable challenges to maintaining well-funded public schools.

Strategies to Foster LatinX in Microbiology Programs:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173630/

Lessons and Outcomes from the Minorities Affairs Committee of the American Society for Cell Biology:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7148148/

11 Professional Organizations That Support People of Color in STEM:
https://ripplematch.com/insights/11-professional-organizations-that-support-people-of-color-in-stem-e7b9ac6b