equity, diversity, inclusion & indigeneity
EDII
Context and Commitment
The underrepresentation of Indigenous individuals, racialized, and sexual minorities, and people with physical disabilities as faculty, and trainees in the field of nutritional sciences has resulted in a lack of cultural competence reducing research translatability that could negatively affect patient outcomes. Individuals from equity-deserving groups encounter several systemic barriers of entry to this field, including implicit bias during the hiring process as well as disparities in funding and mentorship opportunities. We integrate EDII practices in our research and use universal design to guide the structure of our built environment so that our laboratory is a safe, accessible, and inclusive space for all.
Representation & hiring
Inclusive Recruitment & Team Composition
We recruit a diverse pool of candidates by developing inclusive job postings that are widely and publicly available for a minimum of 30 days, including language that specifically encourages applications from equity-deserving groups. All research team members involved in the hiring process complete inclusive recruitment and unconscious bias training through the Queen's Human Rights and Equity Office, with an EDII Research Advisor available to offer feedback. Team members draw upon knowledge gained from connections with on-campus partners such as the Queen's University Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, Queen's Black Academic Society, and Queen's Accessibility Hub. To mitigate financial pressure and provide barrier-free access to experiential learning opportunities, we provide a $1,500 summer student scholarship and research position specifically for Black and Indigenous students.
Training & Developments
Barrier-Free Training & Professional Development
Principle 01
Barrier-Free Training
We remove barriers to access to training and research dissemination opportunities for trainees. Trainees meet monthly with postdoctoral fellows to develop conference funding applications, attend workshops such as the "Writing Essentials" workshop at Queen's University to improve their writing skills, and work collectively with the PI to locate funding for specialist training.
Principle 02
Dissemination & Funding Support
The PI accounts for the cost of trainee conference travel in grant applications when possible, and we budget for a contingency fund for trainees in the event we are unsuccessful in funding competitions. To provide research dissemination and promotion opportunities, trainees prepare community lectures, share research at departmental research days, and generate knowledge translation social media posts shared by community partners such as Kingston Gets Active.
environment & accessibility
Accessible Infrastructure & Intersectional Research
01 / Inclusive Research
Inclusive Curriculum & Outreach
Our research team recognizes the importance of a more inclusive curriculum and adopting an intersectionality-based lens to combat blanket recommendations regarding nutrient requirements given the impact of cultural aspects and lifestyle factors on diet and metabolic health. We showcase research focusing on the experiences of members of equity-deserving groups at laboratory meetings and knowledge mobilization events, and we budget for honoraria to mitigate expenses for visiting scholars and practitioner guest speakers.
02 / Community
Community Initiatives
Our trainees voluntarily participate in EDII initiatives with community groups such as Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) and KEYS Employment and Newcomer Services.
03 / Accessibility
Accessible Infrastructure
To ensure our lab is accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, we undergo accessibility audits and work alongside reviewers to find anti-ableist solutions and incorporate universal design principles in our biochemistry-based laboratory space.
Interested in joining our laboratory?
We are always looking for driven, team-first researchers at all levels - from undergraduate students to post-doctoral fellows. Learn more about current opportunities or reach out to our team.