Two CBS Graduate Student Representatives in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion named for 2024-25

Christabel Osei-Boateng, a MSc in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences student, and Charlotte Ward, a PhD in Integrative Biology student, have been named the College of Biological Science’s Graduate Student Representatives in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for 2024-25.

As part of the one-year positions, both Ward and Osei-Boateng will pursue their own projects designed to make CBS more diverse, equitable and inclusive, under the guidance of Integrative Biology Professor Dr. Christina Caruso, CBS’s Representative in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Osei-Boateng plans to explore the experiences of minorities in graduate school. She’ll meet with and survey students and researchers to identify the challenges faced by minorities and gather suggestions and advice for students, faculty and the institution. Her findings will be compiled and shared with participants and the university to drive future change.

Ward plans to develop comprehensive equity, diversity and inclusion training for all CBS students, including a series of workshops with expert guest speakers and discussions focused on equity, diversity and inclusion and the impacts on students’ daily experiences in academia. She will also create a platform for graduate students to share their experiences, gain insights and develop strategies to build equity and inclusion within CBS and beyond.

Osei-Boateng is a member of the Guelph Black Students Association and, as part of that role, works closely with and mentors undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate school themselves. She was named an Emerging BIPOC Leader at the second annual Diversity in Sports Conference. She has also furthered her knowledge with a variety of courses and workshops on equity, diversity and inclusion topics.

Ward has used her passion for equity and inclusion to drive change in the university’s varsity track program and has helped others feel supported, safe and validated in her role as a coach herself. She has served on an Integrative Biology faculty hiring committee in which EDI was a critical component of the selection and she has also taken workshops on equity, diversity and inclusion topics.