Our Mission
Core Values
Excellence and Discovery: We believe that science is one of the greatest collective endeavors of humanity. We aspire to innovative, rigorous science that creates breakthrough knowledge leading to an improved understanding and explanation of the fundamentals of life.
Leadership and Integrity: We aim to lead by example, to do the right thing, and to inspire others to do the same. We prioritize inspiring and training the next generation of scientists.
Inclusive Environment: We recognize that the best science requires breadth in our researchers, experiences and perspectives. Our lab embraces the intrinsic value of diversity in all its forms, knowing that it motivates us all to be our most open-minded, creative, and best selves. Beyond the lab, we are committed to a welcoming and supportive scientific community that removes barriers to participation and promotes a sense of belonging in science.
Respect and Collegiality: We strive for kindness, openness, collaboration, and respect in interactions within and outside the lab.
STEM Outreach
Hidden Curriculum: An ongoing effort to demystify the professional curriculum and to provide tools, knowledge, support networks, and resources for incoming first year graduate and medical students, including those from underrepresented groups. The program is held in the fall, with ongoing events throughout the year. Initiated by the Biomedical Scholars Association (BSA), this initiative is supported in part by the Office of Graduate Biomedical Education (OGBE) and Johns Hopkins HHMI Gilliam fellows and mentor pairs.
Paul T. Englund Emerging Scholars: This award recognizes emerging scholars at the postdoctoral or assistant professor level who have demonstrated potential to forge tomorrow's scientific breakthroughs and to promote a creative, diverse, and inclusive future in biochemical research. Awardees give invited seminars at Johns Hopkins SOM and host mentoring luncheons for trainees. This program, initiated by Dr. Meffert in 2021, is supported and administered by the dedicated faculty and trainees in the Biological Chemistry department, and the Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences (IBBS) at Johns Hopkins SOM.
Eric C. Aker Endowment: This endowment, made through the Braude Foundation, honors the lifelong passion of Eric Aker for scientific discovery and the communication of science to the public.
ReVision: A network of free, confidential scientific editing for the Hopkins Community. This trainee-based editing service, led by our own Emily Eiss (editor in-chief), aims to improve the quality of scientific writing and to support trainee career development.
