Inclusive Excellence

I am a microbial ecologist focusing on host-microbiome interactions in wildlife. Since starting at UBCO in August, my research has used primate and songbird systems to characterize the relationship between ecological stressors and gut microbiome dynamics.

In my time at UBCO, I have supported EDI by advocating for diverse candidates as part of a biology department hiring committee. I also will be incorporating materials from the Microbes & Social Equity Working Group into the microbiology courses I’m teaching.

Laura Grieneisen
Assistant Professor

I am a cell and molecular biologist with a focus on understanding the basic molecular mechanisms underlying cancer. Since joining UBCO as a lecturer, my focus has mainly been on teaching, and I have been teaching courses at both lower and upper levels of the undergraduate programs offered by the Biology Department.

Creating an inclusive environment for students both inside and outside the classroom is at the fore of my teaching philosophy. My work as a member of various committees and working groups, including the Biology Department’s EDI committee, is directed at promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at various levels at the university.

Brendan D’Souza
Lecturer

I am a plant molecular biologist and biochemist, investigating the molecular and biochemical basis of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (natural products) in herbal and medicinal plants. Typical projects in my group involve identification, cloning and functional characterization of structural and regulatory genes.

I am a Lung Cell Biologist focusing on establishing 3D bioartificial or biomimetic tissue models to understand how abnormal multicellular and multiorgan interactions contribute to chronic lung diseases.

It is abundantly clear that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is important for academic excellence. I have been involved in a webinar discussing black scientists’ perspectives on science and systemic racism and have been part of different EDI committees focused on improving representation at UBC. In my personal research and teaching, I strongly promote and advocate for EDI through principles such as a diverse research team and highlighting the contributions of historically marginalized groups to science.

Emmanuel T. Osei
Assistant Professor

I am the undergraduate program administrative assistant in Biology. Focusing on providing support to the faculty, students, staff in a large array of areas.

I have been, and am actively involved in learning, advocating and becoming the best Ally for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion that I can be. This includes pursuing my own personal growth through continuing education courses focused specifically on these issues. I would invite you to look at the following opportunities if you are also interested in broadening your perspectives.

Jennifer Rhodes
Department Assistant