Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there equipment that can be checked out for sampling or field work?

    Yes.  There are items that can be checked out with permission from the Laboratory Manager (and in some cases other faculty members).  The list below is not exautive, so if you are looking for something specific please contact the Laboratory Manager.  Right now items that can be checked out for sampling or field work include:
    • Camera
    • 3D scanner
    • Portable light box for photos and scanning
    • Dremel and other saws
    • Dental picks, tweezers, and clippers

    I am a Harvard Medical School MD-PhD Student. Is there a different deadline or application process I need to follow?

    Applicants from the Harvard Medical School MD-PhD Program should submit a "pre-application" by October 15th, 2023, to be considered for entry in the Fall of 2024.  The application should be completed in the GSAS Application Portal and downloaded (or screenshots saved) without completing the submittal of the application to GSAS.  On receiving the "pre-application" (to be sent to the Program Administrator), the Biophysics Faculty Admissions Review Committee will read the application, and we will set up times for interviews for the applicant with members of the... Read more about I am a Harvard Medical School MD-PhD Student. Is there a different deadline or application process I need to follow?

    What is the Quantitative Reasoning with Data requirement?

    Part of the Harvard College Curriculum, the Quantitative Reasoning with Data (QRD) requirement introduces students to mathematical, statistical, and computational methods that will enable students to think critically about data as it is employed in fields of inquiry across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In QRD courses students apply these methods to real data to draw inferences and make predictions. QRD courses also teach students to assess uncertainty and to... Read more about What is the Quantitative Reasoning with Data requirement?

    Can I fulfill the QRD requirement with a course taken Pass/Fail?

    Courses used to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning with Data requirement may be taken Pass/Fail, with the permission of the instructor. However, when the same courses are being used to fulfill a concentration or secondary field requirement, there may be limitations on Pass/Fail options. Students should check with their advisers.

    1. What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mean to the Department of Biomedical Informatics?

    The Department of Biomedical Informatics is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable environment where all community members feel respected, supported and empowered to thrive. We recognize the continuous nature of this work and embrace our responsibility to continue to improve and learn. We acknowledge that each individual in our community has a unique personal narrative and surmounted hurdles and barriers before joining our Department. We value these diverse narratives, identities and experiences and commit to work to enhance the recruitment, retention and belonging of... Read more about 1. What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mean to the Department of Biomedical Informatics?

    2. What is the DBMI DEI Survey and why is it important?

    The Harvard Medical School Department of Biomedical Informatics’ inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Survey is an effort to understand the social environment in the department and the experiences and needs of our faculty, staff, postdocs, and trainees. Your experience matters, and we want to hear from you on how we can make DBMI more inclusive and provide an environment of belonging. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and includes a short and optional demographic questionnaire. The survey is completely anonymous as described in the “Privacy” section below....

    Read more about 2. What is the DBMI DEI Survey and why is it important?

    3. How does the DBMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey build upon ongoing work already being done across the University?

    The DBMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey complements ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work done across Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, while providing an opportunity to execute a strategy to improve DEI that caters to the unique needs of DBMI community members. Dr. Nils Gehlenborg is a member of both DBMI’s DEI Committee and HMS’ Quad Diversity Committee, which is chaired by HMS Dean for Diversity and Community... Read more about 3. How does the DBMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey build upon ongoing work already being done across the University?

    4. Who will be surveyed?

    All staff, students and faculty with primary appointments at DBMI are invited and encouraged to participate in the survey.

    6. What will be done with the results?

    The anonymized responses will be aggregated across various respondent groups. These analyses will be shared within the DBMI community and used to shape the priorities and activities of the DBMI DEI Committee.

    8. What is the timeline for the survey?

    The survey will be made available on October 25th via an email link. We anticipate results will be released in early 2022 following response analysis by the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership (DICP).

    9. Who is conducting the survey?

    The survey was designed by the DBMI DEI Committee in collaboration with the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership (DICP). DICP is an HMS-wide office that coordinates diversity activities involving Harvard Medical School faculty, trainees, students and staff. The DBMI DEI Committee will deploy the survey and DICP will collect, store and analyze the results.

    10. How do we ensure confidentiality in the DBMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey?

    To ensure confidentiality the following will be implemented:

    • You will not be asked your name or which lab/team you are part of.
    • Only the research and evaluation team at the HMS Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership's (DICP) office will have access to the database of stored raw data and responses.
    • All reporting will be anonymized with respect to identifiable information. If you are a member of a minoritized groups (i.e. less than 5 peers in your group) any demographic data will be aggregated from any responses.
      • ...
    Read more about 10. How do we ensure confidentiality in the DBMI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey?

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