Diversity, Inclusion, and Mentorship
Diversity strengthens the science that we do. Our lab cherishes the creativity and value that comes from having lab members from diverse personal, cultural, and scientific backgrounds.
We expect all lab members to learn from the challenges and lived experiences of their fellow coworkers. We respect differences of opinion in the lab and believe that everyone in the lab contributes uniquely to the social and intellectual environment.
We further do not tolerate any words or actions that explicitly discriminates or implicitly devalues any lab members for any aspect of their identity. We expect all lab members to adhere to the MIT Handbook Nondiscrimination Policy. This includes discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and age. We recognize that certain words and actions may create a hostile or unwelcoming environment, even if conducted with the best of intent. We push ourselves to educate each other on the ways our actions impact others from different backgrounds and create an environment in which all can feel welcome.
“Science has a racism problem”
– Cell Editorial Team (2020)
Addressing Racism in Science and Society
As members of MIT, neuroscience, and greater scientific communities, we recognize the persistent issues of racism and bias not only in the world but in our labs too. It is our mission to combat these systemic and deeply rooted injustices and promote a path of racial equality and opportunity in our community.
In our lab, we strive not only to succeed in advancing science, but also in fostering a diverse, multi-racial team of scientists. As such, we participate in outreach activities in our community and are actively searching and recruiting students, post-docs, research technicians/scientists from underprivileged/underrepresented groups to join our team. Please contact mheiman@mit.edu.
Furthermore, we have and continue to offer summer research opportunities for aspiring undergraduate students in STEM. Current and graduating students should apply through the MIT Biology/BCS MSRP Program or the MIT BCS Post-baccalaureate Program.
Mentorship
Dr. Heiman is committed to developing and tailoring individual mentorship and development plans in collaboration with each trainee, in order to best support their individual future goals.