Resources for Socioeconomic Issues
People from educationally- or socioeconomically-disadvantaged backgrounds are underrepresented in science. Not only are there clear ethical problems regarding the use of public funds to entrench privilege in higher-income groups1, the underrepresentation of scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds hampers scientific investigations of problems important to those communities. The lower pay for trainees and early-career scientists can represent a serious barrier to careers in science2,3.
UMass Chan and the Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology Department are committed to advocating on behalf of our department members.
In general, many inclusive and supportive resources can be found on the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO) website, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) website, or the Human Relations (HR) website. We have curated some relevant resources from these sources and others below (these resources are primarily focused on graduate students):
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide financial consultations.
Food-insecure graduate students and postdocs have access to the Max Baker Resource Center.
Financial wellness resources are available from the Office of Financial Aid.
The Learner Emergency Assistance Fund is available to graduate students experiencing “hardship from sudden, unexpected, time-limited expenses.”
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has Food & Cash Assistance Programs.
Some scientists may be eligible for federally-funded Loan Repayment Programs.
