The U-M Medical School Department of Cell & Developmental Biology is dedicated to finding innovative approaches to building a cohesive and committed atmosphere where diversity thrives. This commitment is reflected in our Statement of Guiding Principles.

The department has two committees to advise and direct DEI activities:

• The CDB Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Wellness, and Community Committee (DEIWC) aims to enhance a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all. Dr. Mara Duncan, Associate Chair for DEICW, leads this committee of representative graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty. The committee meets quarterly to discuss strategies to increase CDB's equitable and collaborative environment and cultivate new ideas to align CDB with its own DEI goals. DEIWC then implements these action plans to improve the CDB climate and increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department.
• The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee meets monthly. The DEI committee organizes multiple events to cultivate student inclusion, including Social Circles (which guides incoming CDB students), a Book Club, the Student-Run Seminar Series, and the Big Sib/Little Sib program (which provides students with peer-led mentorship). Membership on this committee is a one-year commitment, with the ability to continue across multiple years.

CDB supports and participates in several initiatives:

• Developing Future Biologists (DFB)
• Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)
• Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS)
• Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
• Association of Multicultural Scientists (AMS)
• Educational Resources for Black Lives Matter Movement
• Black in Microbiology
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS)
• Neurons Can Fly
• Operation Opportunity