Thoughts on Our Direction from the Vice Chair for Culture, Engagement, and Impact
Lesley Curtis, PhD
The Department of Population Health Sciences is committed to promoting respect for and inclusion of people from all backgrounds in our research, teaching, operations, and daily interactions. We acknowledge the deep impact of lack of access to quality health care and recognize our responsibility to foster meaningful change. As an academic community, we thrive when we embrace different perspectives and experiences, working together to improve health for all.
Guided by our Culture, Engagement, and Impact Advisory Group, we continuously evaluate our environment and processes to expand opportunities for inclusivity. We implement transparent hiring and advancement practices to promote inclusive excellence in our classrooms, and support students through mentorship and training. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse and innovative research community that reflects our commitment to equity.
Achieving lasting change requires sustained effort and accountability. Through collaboration and shared commitment, we strive to build a community that is inclusive, respectful, and pluralistic in thought and practice.
We invite you to join us in shaping a future where our core values of respect and inclusion are foundational to population health sciences. Together, we can create a healthier and more just world for everyone.
Read Duke University's Institutional Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
A Note on Culture, Engagement, and Impact from the Department Chair
Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, PhD
Under her direction, the Culture, Engagement, and Impact Committee has advanced many effective initiatives, including the development of the DPHS hiring toolkit, which ensures that candidates are evaluated based on merit, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
Since its inception five years ago, the committee has made notable strides toward dismantling policies and practices that have historically excluded many from attending and working at private institutions like Duke University. Yet, there remains much work to be done.
Our various backgrounds and perspectives drives our excellence — and we have a collective responsibility to challenge systems of oppression, fight injustice, and foster a departmental culture that welcomes everyone.
We are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing both personal and departmental accountability to uphold the values of respect for and inclusion of people from all backgrounds in all aspects of our work, as well as advocating for fair and transparent policies that impact Duke at large. I am genuinely excited to do this work with all of you.