We believe diverse and kind minds make the best science. While aggression can be taken as sign of intelligence in science, our group aims to be aggressively kind. We hold mutual respect, open mindedness, and support are catalysts for great science. You’ll find that as passionate as we are about pushing the boundaries of research, we are just as passionate about advocating for each other. We make time to get to know each other, cheerlead for each other, and provide accommodations for each other. We lead with a healthy, joyful approach to research careers. Led by a PI who knows the challenges underrepresented groups and international scholars face, we value full inclusion and believe a wide array of perspectives is required for transformative science. We’re proud to say our group has historically been split evenly between men and women, hail from five different continents, and includes underrepresented minorities, such as disabled scientists and scientists from non-traditional backgrounds. We insist that no one should be excluded from the scientific community on the basis of their body, socioeconomics, religion, or orientation. You also do not need to be an expert in synthetic biology, have a lineage in academia, or come from a highly ranked university to benefit our group and research. There are no molds to fit into here.

We take an active approach to diversity and inclusion, and all lab members are expected to participate.
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on networking as a neurodivergent person
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on how your health matters and you need to care for it
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on ableism in STEM
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on different personality types and being yourself
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on Neurodiversity and what can be done to make space for it in the lab
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on Neurodiversity and what can be done to make space for it in the lab
  • 1 Minute 4 Diversity slide on different learning styles

Here are some activities our group undertakes:

  • 1 Minute for Diversity: Led by that week’s presenter, we begin each group meeting with a slide that discusses one aspect of diversity. Some topics have included neurodiversity, disability in science, personality types, and well-being!
  • DEI Committee: Our postdocs have been on the Biosciences department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. This group is a source of communication and solutions for DEI issues.
  • Disability Support: We purchase equipment to make our lab more accessible and supportive for those with disabilities. Academia is challenging enough without discomfort or lack of resources making it harder.
  • Conferences: Our group members attend conferences aimed at under-supported groups in science, such as Afrobiotech.
Task Force on Slavery, Segregation and Racial Injustice

Rice University recognizes it’s history with racism and thus assembled the Task Force on Slavery, Segregation and Racial Injustice. It’s mission is “to investigate Rice’s past with respect to slavery, segregation, and racial injustice; to encourage frank and honest discussion about that past; and to identify suggestions for Rice’s future” and we in the C. Ajo-Franklin group applaud their work. You can read more about their efforts and the reports they released here.