People

MISHA PATEL (she/her)

DPhil, Department of Engineering Science

Misha is a mechanical engineer, conducting research in offshore engineering. Her project focuses on quantifying the tidal stream energy resource in the UK. Misha is enthusiastic about utilising engineering to make the world a more sustainable place. She is an active supporter of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and is the former Vice President of the Women in Engineering Network at Oxford. Misha is enthusiastic to continue her EDI work as co-convenor of the BIPOC Stem Network and facilitate a welcoming environment for Oxford scientists.

EMILY HOTINE (she/her)

ED&I Manager, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences

Emily joined the BIPOC STEM Allies Network when it first launched and has been Co-Chair of the Allies Book Club since May 2021. Emily currently works within the Department of Surgical Sciences as their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager and has experience managing projects that serve under-represented and under-served members of the University. She is also a trained Mental Health First Aider and LGBT+ ally. Emily is looking forward to contributing to the Network’s endeavours to support BIPOC in the University.

VICTOR AJUWON (he/him)

Victor, also a founder of the Network, is continuing to work as a convener to support the Network's activities over the coming year. You can find his bio in "Meet the co-founders".

VICTOR AJUWON (he/him)

BBSRC DTP, Department of Zoology

Victor is a comparative ethologist, interested in how and why animals seek non-instrumental information, that is, information that has no immediate benefit in terms of reward-maximisation. In his spare time, Victor enjoys the wonderful amenities that Oxford has to offer (the pub) and if capable, enjoys reading (Twitter). Victor sees the BIPOC STEM Network as a brilliant opportunity to enhance the representation of scientists of colour in order to inspire the next generation of academics and professionals working within STEM.

SARA MIDDLETON (she/her)

NERC DTP, Department of Zoology/Department of Plant Sciences

Sara is plant ecologist interested in using both functional-trait and demographic approaches to understand how plant communities respond to global environmental change. Outside her research, Sara enjoys science communication and runs a number of projects such as the Human Nature Stories Project and Black British Biology Project. She is enthusiastic about growing the Network and creating an inclusive environment for BIPOC to feel supported and thrive.

LAUREN RUDD (she/her)

NERC DTP, Department of Zoology

Lauren is a zoologist interested in understanding the social dynamics at play within the landscape of lion conservation, with the aim of better informing the management of the species. In her spare time, she participates in multiple university sports and is actively involved in several university EDI projects, all of which aim to improve the experience of students and staff. She sees the BIPOC STEM Network as a great opportunity to further this goal, and create a better environment for BIPOC individuals to succeed at Oxford and beyond.

ATREYI CHAKRABARTY (she/her)

BBSRC DTP, Department of Pharmacology

Atreyi is a neuroscientist studying the cellular and network mechanisms of sleep regulation in the brain, which sometimes involves her being sleep deprived. When not in the lab, she enjoys writing, doing yoga and dancing Bharatnatyam. She strongly believes that representation matters for POC to feel like they belong. She has been involved in the Network’s conception and is excited about its role in highlighting the work and lives of BIPOC scientists throughout Oxford.

People

Meet the new conveners

MISHA PATEL (she/her)

EMILY HOTINE (she/her)

VICTOR AJUWON (he/him)

Meet the co-founders

VICTOR AJUWON (he/him)

SARA MIDDLETON (she/her)

LAUREN RUDD (she/her)

ATREYI CHAKRABARTY (she/her)