Our Mission
The Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (NST) is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming community where every student, postdoc, staff, and faculty member can thrive.
We believe that diversity in all its forms enhances our academic excellence, drives scientific innovation, and enriches our understanding of nutrition, metabolism, and health.
Our Efforts
NST’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee leads initiatives that strengthen equity and belonging across all areas of our department. We are committed to:
- Promoting fair and holistic recruitment and hiring practices.
- Expanding mentorship and leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Creating spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and community connection.
- Celebrating the diverse perspectives and achievements of our community members.
NST also partners with campus-wide efforts such as the Graduate Diversity Admissions Fair, the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education, and the UC–HBCU Initiative to expand pathways into higher education and research careers.
Our Future Goals
We continue to assess and refine our practices to ensure that DEIB principles are woven into every aspect of our teaching, research, and administration. Our future goals include:
- Conducting data-informed reviews of departmental demographics and climate.
- Identifying barriers to participation and belonging.
- Setting measurable goals for progress and accountability.
- Above all, NST strives to maintain a climate where every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspective. Together, we are building a department where scientific excellence and human connection go hand in hand.