We believe that each person is uniquely brilliant. We are internationals, single, married, parents, African-American, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, first-gen, disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, or not, catholic, atheists, spiritual, orthodox, christian, baptist, Mediterranian, American, undergrad, VT graduate, transfer student, postdoc, postbac, professor, research scientist, research assistants, medical doctor, neuroscientist, glial/ molecular biologist, US citizens, visa/ green card holders, LGBTQI+, straight, dedicated to the academic track, going to med school soon, interested in jobs outside of academia, military reserve, active duty, feminist, anti-racist.

Who are you? We support each team member equally because of who they are. We embrace and build on diversity. We respect every person independent of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military service, national origin, immigration, academic rank and position, socioeconomic status, and/or political preferences as long as they respect the dignity of all individuals.

We take ownership for educating ourselves about diversity, equity, and inclusion subjects. We commit to having uncomfortable conversations, resolve our biases, and change behaviors to make all members of our community feel included and valued. During our monthly and weekly personal development, we dedicate time to the discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges within the team and beyond. We will find solutions including changes to our personal behavior, beliefs, and/or world views. We are allies; we use our power and privilege to advocate externally for others and call out discriminatory behavior.

We are committed to cultivating a physically, mentally, and emotionally safe environment built on mutual trust and respect. We acknowledge our responsibility in changing a historically discriminating academic system. To do so, we use processes and tools for recruiting team members that circumvent biases and emphasize potential and fit for the job. Each team member is given training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.

All team members are expected to stretch out of their comfort zone and be proactive participants in driving team performance. We understand that a safe environment is foundational to high performance but not mutually exclusive to high standards and the occasional discomfort from performing in the roam of excellence. We support every member of our team to find and perform within their unique zone of excellence and to prepare for the next stage in their career – whatever that may be – while driving our shared goals now.