Membership

The power of diversity infuses not only my personal beliefs but my scientific research program. My laboratory studies the biological bases and adaptive value of differences between individuals for coping with different environments in distinct physical and social contexts. I am fascinated by both the similarities between people across time and space, and the differences in the way they see the world and respond to it. Everything I have learned from our own work and the work of numerous colleagues has convinced me of the remarkable power of embracing and celebrating the differences as well as the similarities between us.
But of course, my belief in diversity goes far beyond the scientific realm. Being an immigrant in the US from an Arab country, having become engaged in science at a time when women were in the minority, I have experienced firsthand the impact of several types of bias. Conversely, I have done my best to become conscious of and continually revisit my own biases, be they negative or positive. Seeing the human first and foremost, celebrating differences in background, ethnicity, culture, and perspective is a lifelong quest.
I am honored to be on this journey with other neuroscientist colleagues from all over the world. I believe that together, we can do better.

I believe in the mission of the ALBA Network. In order to have change, and more diversity and inclusion in neuroscience, we need to be proactive and deliberate in our actions. By joining ALBA, I am signaling that I am supportive of their goals and will take action myself.

I am a woman neuroscientist of color who has lived in culturally diverse countries (Philippines, Israel, Italy, US). I have personal experience of implicit bias. I would like to contribute to initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on the field of neuroscience.

Mentoring and advocacy for women and underrepresented groups in neuroscience is the key reason for why I joined ALBA. As a Center Director and President of IBRO, I focus on local and global actions to advocate for and support diversity, equity and inclusion through partnerships and activities, including developing and supporting programs and working with organizational and policy makers.

Because diversity and equal opportunity are ethically required, promote well-being and enhance creativity and productivity in all organizations. I would like to learn of challenges and offer information from the University of California and my personal experience. Together we blossom.

To help diversity the academic workspace

To contribute to have a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive scientific environment.

I discovered the ALBA network at the Society for Neuroscience Connectome and have been itching to become a member ever since. As a woman in a male-dominated field, not only am I hoping to connect with strong women mentors, but also to work in a unified group towards accomplishing ALBA Network’s goals to counteract bias and empower underrepresented groups in brain sciences.

help increase diversity (ethnic, gender) within the field and greater sciences

I became aware of Alba through colleagues with whom I am a member of the SIRS Diversity Task Force. I am very much interested in promoting the goals and objectives of Alba.

I am an assistant professor of neuroscience and I work in multiple sub-fields that do not have a lot of women in them. I am passionate about improving inequities in the system when it comes to women and other underrepresented groups.