DFB instructors from a previous year. MCDB's Laura Buttitta center front!

Congratulations to Developing Future Biologists!

Developing Future Biologists (DFB),  an educational outreach organization led by graduate students and postdocs at the University of Michigan, is one of the 2021 recipients of the Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change. Awardees are faculty, staff, and students (either an individual or a group) whose sustained efforts have resulted in greater equity with regard to gender, race, class, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The award is made by CEW+.

DFB's mission is to ensure that the next generation of biologists, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, can learn the core concepts of developmental biology and are made aware of the vast opportunities that exist to pursue a career in the sciences. DFB organizes a week-long summer short course aimed at teaching undergraduate students fundamental concepts in developmental biology in a small class setting with close instructor-student mentorship. Throughout the week students attend interactive lectures, hands-on lab sections, and professional development workshops. 

MCDB Associate Professor Laura Buttitta is one of the  faculty for the organization. Former Collins Lab postdoc Ryan Insolera is among MCDB grad students and postdocs that have been involved with the organization during there years here.

More information about DFB is at developingfuturebiologists.com.

The Lightning Talk prepared as part of the award is available here. [YouTube]