Woerman Lab Mission Statement

The mission of the Woerman Lab is to foster a creative environment where a diverse group of scientists works as a team to investigate alpha-synuclein and tau strain biology. We respect and value the privilege of working with human patient samples to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics, and to conduct research that improves the lives of patients living with these diseases. We believe it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about ways that our individual biases impact the work we are doing. We also believe it is important to consider the application of our research to ensure that the work we do does not cause harm to others.

We are committed to empowering the success of all our team members and collaborators through the following actions:

  • Prioritizing the importance of affirming or legitimizing the dignity, respect, and humanity in all people, specifically those who historically have been or are presently systematically underrepresented, oppressed, and/or dismissed by members of society.

  • Actively engaging in uncomfortable conversations and avoiding comfort bias.

  • Working to identify and address our implicit biases, as well as recognizing and advocating for the removal of structural barriers to equity.

  • Increasing inclusivity and diversity by expanding representation among samples and cell lines used in our research, as well as conducting experiments that are more representative of all lived experiences.

  • Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all team members are respected and able to speak up and speak out with the awareness that the lab’s power dynamic impacts an individual’s ability to speak truth to power.

  • Mentoring one another to promote each individual’s strengths and career goals.

  • Exhibiting integrity at the bench and in our behavior toward one another.

  • Cultivating an environment that values and supports the physical and mental well-being of all team members and continues to value the importance of fun in our lives.

Importantly, we will hold one another accountable and have a zero-tolerance policy for behavior antithetical to our shared values. We will reflect on and recommit to these values at least once each year. 

This mission statement was last revised and discussed on August 5, 2024.