The Alliance for Visible Diversity in Science (AVDS) focuses on one central mission - to increase racial and ethnic equity within the research programs at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) by recruiting, retaining, and most importantly, supporting graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty members from underrepresented backgrounds.
We recognize and reflect the important notion that in order to increase diversity on our campus, we must make targeted, deliberate, and measurable efforts to create an environment that not only welcomes, but encourages a diverse population of people.
In modern science research, academic success and scientific breakthrough rests on our utilization of multifaceted approaches and perspectives. By cultivating visible diversity, we believe that the exposure to a variety of ideas and collective experiences will foster creativity and relationships - enriching our academic environment and strengthen our scientific community as a whole.
We recognize and reflect the important notion that in order to increase diversity on our campus, we must make targeted, deliberate, and measurable efforts to create an environment that not only welcomes, but encourages a diverse population of people.
In modern science research, academic success and scientific breakthrough rests on our utilization of multifaceted approaches and perspectives. By cultivating visible diversity, we believe that the exposure to a variety of ideas and collective experiences will foster creativity and relationships - enriching our academic environment and strengthen our scientific community as a whole.
The Alliance for Visible Diversity in Science is a collective of individuals with diverse views, joined by their commitment to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in the sciences. AVDS executes its mission in a collaborative and democratic manner. Therefore, no individual’s opinions are representative of AVDS as a whole.
Board Members
Sierra Smith - Receptionist (primary contact)
Teresa Stackhouse - Treasurer
Teresa is a second-year graduate researcher in the Neuroscience Graduate Program in the Mishra lab at the Jungers Center at OHSU. Her primary research interests are in the neurovascular unit, specifically in the role that astrocytes play in maintaining oxygen and energy balances in the brain. Teresa has been involved in AVDS since 2017 and is proud to be a part of a group making measurable changes to the culture of inclusion at OHSU.
Arielle Isakharov - Secretary
Arielle is a research assistant in the Schnell Lab, studying the role of the brain’s immune system in adult neurogenesis. Arielle joined AVDS in 2018 and has learned a lot about her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in her workplace and community.
Letisha R Wyatt, PhD - Historian
Letisha R. Wyatt, PhD is the Director of Diversity in Research in the OHSU Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and is responsible for developing and implementing academic/professional programs for research trainees from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. She is a former bench neuropharmacologist with a strong record of mentorship in the laboratory and classroom. As a faculty member in the Department of Neurology and the Center for Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), she works together with Scientists and Staff to plan for current and future information and data management needs. View her work on ORCID: 0000-0003-1026-5232.
Mateo Lopez Espejo - Events Chair
Mateo Lopez-Espejo is a neuroscience graduate student in the David lab at OHSU. He has a BS in biology from the National University Of Colombia (2015). His current research focuses on the representation of sound features in the auditory cortex using state-of-the-art computational models on physiological data. In this position he is trying to bridge the gap between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, brain and machine. In his free time, Mateo enjoys reading social philosophy so he can have a more informed position when trying to subvert the broken system of domination, inequality and racism that is Capitalism. You can read more about his science and political musings on his twitter: @MateoLpezEspejo
Katy Lehmann - Education Chair
Katy is a graduate student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program and has been with AVDS since 2019. She works with her committee to develop a mix of educational events to help people learn about the role race plays in society and science. Katy’s interested in how structural barriers affect access to the scientific institution and hopes that education is one way to lower those barriers. When she’s not in lab or working on AVDS activities, Katy likes to play soccer, hike, ski and spend time outside.
Itallia V. Pacentine, PhD - Operations Chair
Dr. Pacentine believes that America and the world are facing discrimination that is ingrained in the fabric of our cities, institutions, and social networks. This institutional racism creates glass ceilings and walls for certain groups, and in science is perhaps most pronounced in the lack of racial and ethnic minorities from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Pacentine joined AVDS to help create cultural change at OHSU so that all members of society can feel that they belong and are taken care of in our scientific community.
Tavita Garrett - Communications Chair
Tavita is a fourth-year graduate student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. She uses patch-clamp electrophysiology to study the membrane properties of an understudied cerebellar neuron, the unipolar brush cell. She was recently awarded the 2019 Howard Hughes Medial Institute Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study. Her experiences as a first-generation student have taught her that targeted effort is required to remedy inequities in scientific research and academia in general.
Committee Members
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Events
Mateo Lopez Espejo Dennis Weingarten Molly Campbell Andrea Hardin Kiki Fornero Raquel Miralles Cole Brashaw |
Education
Katy Lehmann Kathleen Beeson Sarah Kissiwaa Allison Schaser Jennifer Cai Robert Hermosillo Danielle Mathieson Sierra Smith Amanda Swanson |
Operations
Itallia V. Pacentine M. Kathrina Onate Kristen Stevens Luci Moore Omar Koita Alexandra Houser AJ Mitchell Mason Handford Erica Hankins Regalo Ernesto Manzo |
Communications
Tavita Garrett Robin Champieux Melissa Merrigan Eleanor Battison Amanda del Giacco |
Committee Photos
Interested in being a part of our steering committee, a department or program liaison, or get involved in some capacity? We are always looking for more people interested in moving forward with our mission! Click here to learn about how AVDS is organized, and how to get involved. (Please send all other inquires to a4vdis@ohsu.edu)
