UNM Biology Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-bias (IDEA) Committee

The charge of this committee is to ensure that those of all backgrounds and intellectual perspectives are welcome in our department, to make all opportunities for students and scholars equitable, and to foster community activities that oppose racism, sexism, and other forms of inequality. 

Our Goals

  • Evaluate and monitor the departmental climate and potential obstacles to IDEA
  • Identify and propose recommendations, actions, and policies for IDEA at the level of undergraduate education, graduate education, faculty and staff recruitment and development
  • Work with engaged faculty and students to follow through on implementation of the proposed actions
  • Biennially, assess progress on the development and implementation of action items and report to the department

Questions or concerns? 

IDEA Committee Members

  • Joe Cook, chair (he/him/his/él), Distinguished Professor of Biology
  • Don Natvig (he/him/his), Professor of Biology
  • Kelly Howe (she/her), Principal Lecturer, Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS) Advisor
  • Alex Webster (she/her), Assistant Professor of Biology
  • Shannon Withycombe (she/her), Associate Professor of History
  • Megan Barela Hudgell (she/her/they/them), Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Claire Doherty (she/her/hers), Ph.D. Student, BGSA representative
  • Melissa Sanchez (she/her), Sr. Research Scientist and manager of the Molecular Biology Facility
  • Tyler Clayshulte (he/him/his), Graduate Program Coordinator, Biology Department