The MCO Program is proud to provide an atmosphere that is supportive and inclusive of students from all backgrounds. About 17% of current MCO students identify themselves as members of underrepresented minority groups, which attest to the program’s dedication to a diverse student body. The MCO Program also strives to ensure that any student with a disability has equal access to the educational opportunities, facilities and resources available in the program.
In academic year 2019-2020, the MCB department (host of the MCO Program) formed a Community Task Force (CTF) on Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) to help the department fully realize its mission of achieving inclusive excellence. Comprised of students, staff, postdocs, administrators and faculty, the CTF employs existing quantitative and qualitative research to critically analyze our departmental culture, current practices, policies, systems and structures, and develop evidence-based recommendations and measurable goals for best practices, programs, and initiatives. In addition, we serve as a resource for community engagement, and as a sounding board for ideas and feedback.
In addition, as a program within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, MCO students have access to a wealth of resources and support at Harvard University. If you are considering applying to the MCO Program, the links below provide some useful information:
The Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs at The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has detailed and useful information about issues of diversity as well as descriptions of the activities of some of the student organizations at Harvard.
Perspectives is a comprehensive resource guide for minority applicants to the Graduate School.
For students with disabilities, the University’s Accessible Education Office (AEO) is able to offer a wide range of services, which are individually designed and based on the specific needs of each student.
There are also opportunities to meet with MCO faculty, students and administrators at events such as research talks on your home campus and national conferences and scientific meetings. MCO faculty, students and administrators regularly attend the following conferences every year.
The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
New England Science Symposium (NESS)