Service

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Diversify Microbiology

Rebecca established and maintains this resource of academic microbiologists from diverse underrepresented and underserved groups with the support of her departmental Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. Individuals can self-nominate and disclose any identities they are comfortable discussing with others. She is screening submissions to the list and maintaining the Twitter account to promote this resource. She has also established Diversify Immunology and is looking for someone in the immunology field to maintain this list. She has served as a consultant for the establishment of Diversify CAZymes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work

It is important to Rebecca to support scientists from all backgrounds and identities. One-on-one mentoring is important but working to bring about structural change in our society is also essential.

  • Vassar College Native American Advisory Committee

  • University of Michigan Department of Microbiology & Immunology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

  • University of North Carolina Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity

    • Professional Development Lunch Organizer

    • Biomedical Research Symposium Planning Committee

  • Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science Conference Abstract Reviewer

  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarship Reviewer

Michigan DNA Day

DNA Day is a national initiative to provide opportunities for students, teachers, and the public to learn more about genetics. The state DNA Day programs were founded in North Carolina and focus on matching early-career science researchers with high school classrooms and providing lessons and materials for hands-on activities to be conducted during a classroom visit. She participated in NC DNA Day during her PhD training, and when she moved to Michigan, she found that a graduate student was establishing MI DNA Day. This student, herself, and two other postdocs from North Carolina worked together to establish MI DNA Day in 2017 and I have been serving on the executive board since. This year they had 140 scientists who visited high school classrooms, impacting over 4300 students. In addition to impacting the local community, she has also worked to spread knowledge of the DNA Day initiative by giving a talk at the national education-focused conference ASM CUE and maintaining MI DNA Day’s online presence including website, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

University of Michigan

  • Department of Microbiology & Immunology Undergraduate Research Symposium Organizer

  • Department of Microbiology & Immunology Retreat Planning Committee

  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Poster Judge, Speaker on Science Outreach and Communication, Instructor for Lab Math Workshop