Our Core Values

We are defined by curiosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. We strive to create an environment where meaningful science, supportive learning, and a strong sense of community go hand in hand.

We uphold the highest standards of honesty, rigor, and transparency in research, teaching, and professional conduct. 

At UMass Microbiology, we are committed to advancing science with integrity, rigor, and transparency. Our faculty, students, and researchers uphold the highest ethical standards in research, teaching, and professional practice while continuously pushing the boundaries of discovery through innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.

We are committed to teaching, researching and expanding the discipline of microbiology, using diverse molecular, genetic, physiological, ecological, evolutionary and engineering approaches to understand microbial systems. We are committed to train scientists who value societal contribution and collegiality and who work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind. We uphold the principles of the scientific method through our research, actions, and communications.

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals — regardless of background — feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

The faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students in the Microbiology Department are committed to promoting a departmental climate of inclusion and respect. We support a diverse and inclusive community. We value and actively promote a faculty, staff, postdoctoral, and student community of diverse race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, political belief or affiliation, marital status, veteran status, immigration status, gender identity and expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected by state or federal laws.
 

We prioritize student success through active mentorship, experiential learning, and personalized academic support. We view students as partners in discovery and growth.

Student success is at the heart of everything we do. Through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and personalized academic support, we engage students as active partners in their education—encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and growth both inside and outside the classroom. We will take action to ensure that every community member is empowered to take full advantage of the opportunities for learning, discovery, and personal growth offered at UMass. We engage in open, respectful discourse and the exchange of ideas from a wide variety of perspectives. We welcome feedback from all community members and pledge to respond to community needs and concerns.

We affirm that nothing takes precedence over the physical and mental health and wellness of our community members. We provide a safe environment for learning, working, and living in which everyone can thrive. All community members treat one another with respect and professionalism. We acknowledge that the hierarchy within academia results in power imbalances. Regardless of a community member’s status as a student, faculty member, postdoctoral associate or fellow, scientific staff member, or other staff member, we do not permit any unequal power dynamics to affect our commitment to these shared values. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. We will comply with the letter and spirit of the law and UMass policy when responding to discrimination and harassment.

Climate Committee Members:

Wilmore Webley, Faculty & Chair
Emily Bechtold, Graduate Student
Mallory Choudoir, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Erika Hamilton, Lecturer
Lorell Perreault, Staff Member
Aliaya Robinson, Undergraduate Student

Resources for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

UMass College of Natural Sciences

UMass Amherst

Within UMass Microbiology, there are countless opportunities to seek out mentorship and gain experiences operating in a lab, as well as mentoring a lab. To learn more about our opportunities, check out our Undergraduate Research Opportunities page.

View Our Opportunities

• Demonstrate a mastery of the core curriculum concepts laid out by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), reflecting relevant mechanisms of evolution, structure and function, energy transformation and cellular metabolic pathways, information flow, ecology, and societal impact.

• Discuss and practice science and scientific methodology as a way of knowing; explain how the nature of science is applied to everyday problems.

• Differentiate between fact and opinion, recognize and evaluate author bias and rhetoric, develop inferential skills, recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning, and make decisions and judgements by drawing logical conclusions using sound quantitative and statistically-based reasoning.

• Master fundamental microbiology laboratory skills and curated advanced skills as needed to solve relevant research questions. Practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures. 

• Appreciate the value of cooperating and working effectively with peers and demonstrate a commitment to the process of developing such skills, including effective written and oral communication. 

• Identify and discuss the ethical issues and responsibilities of doing science.

Learn more about our program by making an appointment with an academic advisor or the Undergraduate Program Director, Heather Reed, through Navigate 360. 

Schedule an Appointment