Inclusive Excellence
Members of our community
I am a conservation biologist, focusing on how habitat loss and restoration affect imperilled species. My recent work has been focused on wildfires, endangered species legislation and critical habitat designation, and grassland restoration via the application of biosolids.
I support equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence by showcasing research from under-represented groups in my teaching, mentoring students from underrepresented groups, serving on the department’s EDI committee, and working as a UBC Senator to help advance university-wide policies that genuinely support historically excluded groups.
Karen Hodges
Professor
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 strong advocate of equity, diversity and inclusion, and I promote a diverse, collaborative and respectful culture in my classrooms and research laboratory.
Soheil Mahmoud
Associate Professor
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
STUDENT RESOURCES
BIOLOGY EDI COMMITTEE
Students are welcome to contact committee members for assistance with equity, diversity or inclusion issues.
Michael Deyholos
Department Head, Professor
michael.deyholos@ubc.ca
Brendan D’Souza
Lecturer
brendan.dsouza@ubc.ca
Karen Hodges
Professor
karen.hodges@ubc.ca
Robin Young
Assistant Professor of Teaching
robin.young@ubc.ca
Zoë Soon
Associate Professor of Teaching
zoeanne.soon@ubc.ca
TBD
Staff Representative
TBD
Undergraduate Student Representative
TBD
Graduate Student Representative
The Department of Biology is working within the goals of UBC to support inclusive excellence. The UBC-wide reports and mission statements are important resources for us.