We're hiring!

1. Postdoctoral Research Associate - Fins: advance work on the mechanical properties, functional morphology, and mechanical loading of fish fin bones during substrate-based locomotion, with the opportunity to contribute to paleontological analyses of fin-bearing stem tetrapods with collaborator, Dr. Tom Stewart at Penn State University. Funding is available to sponsor visas for international applicants. Job ad posted HERE.
2. Lab technician and research assistant - intermediate: perform and assist with lab management, operation, and research activities on the comparative biomechanics of fish and salamander locomotion, with the opportunity to lead, present, and publish an independent research project related to on-going projects in the lab. I would particularly encourage applicants from individuals who have demonstrated strong interest in biomechanics but may have little to no prior research experience. Job ad posted HERE. ​Update: position has been filled!
3. Postdoctoral Research Associate - Limbs: examine how the interplay between habitat preference and developmental strategy in salamanders mediates the relationship between the structure and function of tissues (e.g., bones) and whole-organism performance (e.g., locomotion) by integrating techniques from biomechanics, materials science and engineering, and evolutionary biology. Candidates with fieldwork experience and interest in mentoring undergraduates through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Mountain Lake Biological Station (field station that is ~3 hours south of UVA) are particularly encouraged to apply. Funding is available to sponsor visas for international applicants. Job ad is coming soon.
4. Lab tech and research assistance - novice: research training opportunity for post-baccalaureate students who are considering a career in research but were unable to participate in research while an undergraduate (due to the lack of opportunities, support, time, etc.). This position is intended to be more structured and directed than the intermediate lab tech position in order to foster the development and subsequent advancement of the candidate's knowledge and skillset. Candidates interested in learning about field biomechanics or ecomechanics during the summers at Mountain Lake Biological Station (field station that is ~3 hours south of UVA) are particularly encouraged to apply. Job ad is coming soon. 

Welcome to the Fins and Limbs Lab!

"Come for the science, stay for the community”

Here we are enjoying Restaurant Week at China Chilcano (a restaurant owned by José Andrés, founder of the World Central Kitchen)! 
From left to right: Sandy Kawano, Emily Naylor, Alec Baines, Jonathan Huie, and Zach Quigley.

The Fins and Limbs team is committed to fostering a safe environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all. We are dynamic, lifelong learners who maintain a growth mindset to constantly broaden our perspectives and adapt to changes. We recognize that our implicit biases and social positionality (e.g., race, class, gender, sexuality, ability) may shape our perspectives and accept that listening to others and learning from our mistakes are necessary to become the allies we strive to be. We acknowledge that growth requires engaging in difficult conversations but we must lead by example and hold ourselves accountable for our actions. In this context, our goals include:

1. Treating others and ourselves with respect, compassion, patience, and empathy,
2. Maintaining open lines of communication and transparent policies to reduce exclusionary barriers to success,
3. Implementing evidence-based practices for effective mentorship, collaboration, and learning, 
4. Supporting and broadening the participation of historically marginalized communities
5. Enacting positive change and upholding integrity in science and society through civic engagement,

Some of the actions that we have taken to achieve these goals include but are not limited to:

1. Amplifying the voices and expertises of scholars from historically excluded communities in STEM through invited seminars, award nominations, and other accolades, which we facilitate through Diversify EEB and Women of Color and Non-Binary People of Color in EEB. 
2. Applying the UC Berkeley Rubric for Assessing Candidate Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to increase transparency and DEI during the faculty hiring process,
3. Serving on the Department DEI committee and the College's DEI Council to implement institutional changes that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability,
4. Staying current on equitable and inclusive practices in science by actively participating in workshops, professional development programs, and training opportunities,
5. ​Leading public outreach and educational programs to make science accessible for all,
6. Ensuring that lab policies, expectations, and resources are transparent and easily accessible, 
7. Enabling a culture of feedback through weekly check-ins and an anonymous feedback form,
8. Communicating our goals to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability through our Code of Conduct and plans to achieve these goals through our Operational Agreement (available HERE). 
9. Maintaining individual development plans and mentoring compacts to promote the personal success of mentees,
10. Financially supporting businesses owned by individuals from BIPOC, veteran, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and other marginalized communities, 
11. Being environmentally conscious (e.g., composting waste) and investing in organizations that use sustainable practices,
12. Plus much more!

Letters of recommendation: If you are seeking to request a letter of recommendation, please read the information at http://bit.ly/Kawano_LetterRequest. 

Feedback: Do you have comments, suggestions, or other feedback to offer? If so, please use this anonymous Google form.