Diversity Deans & Staff

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine – General Internal Medicine,
BU Executive Director of Faculty Development, Boston University Medical Campus

Dr. Harris is associate dean for Diversity & Inclusion at the school and is an associate professor in general internal medicine, in the department of medicine. They also serve as the executive director of faculty development for Boston University Medical Campus. Dr. Harris works to design, implement and lead innovative programs and initiatives aimed at providing and promoting more equitable learning and working environments for faculty, staff, and students around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice. An applied medical sociologist, Dr. Harris’s areas of research include race and ethnicity, gender and sexualities, health and illness, social movements, cultural studies, urban studies and media studies. More specifically, they examine how groups construct health issues and how the structural marginalization and stigmatization they experience impact their experiences with health care. Dr. Harris has authored and co-authored dozens of books, articles, and essays, including Womanist AIDS Activism in the United States: “It’s Who We Are” (Roman & Littlefield, 2022), Queer People of Color: Connected but Not Comfortable (Lynne Rienner, 2018) and the Intersections of Race and Sexuality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017) book series.

Professor of Medicine

Dr. Dasgupta is a scientist educator whose significant scholarly contributions center around curriculum design, teaching and service. She is a professor of medicine and an assistant dean of admissions with a demonstrated history of working in a diverse and inclusive higher education environment. Dr. Dasgupta has leveraged her expertise in basic and medical genetics and genomics, graduate education and medical education to transform and advance the clinical and scientific training of MD and PhD students at Boston University, nationally and internationally. Her passion for genetics, genomic medicine, diversity & inclusion and mentoring allow her to serve as a supportive and creative leader in the field.

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology

Dr. Ramirez is an assistant professor of Anesthesiology at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He currently serves as the director for the medical student anesthesiology elective and clinical clerkships, as well as the lead Faculty Student Advisor (FSA) for students interested in anesthesiology. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Student Evaluation and Promotions Committee (SEPC). Born and raised in Massachusetts of Puerto Rican and Dominican parents, Dr. Ramirez attended Boston University majoring in human physiology and earned his MD  at University of Massachusetts. Trained in anesthesiology at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, Dr. Ramirez completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Ramirez strongly believes that having a heterogeneous healthcare team that is well-educated about the social challenges complicating healthcare delivery and one that actively strives to improve upon current practices is in the best interest of patients. He plays an active role in Anesthesiology’s diversity and inclusion committee, which has implemented numerous tools and practice changes to continue to work towards a more diverse and inclusive environment. This includes conducting regular surveys to assess diversity climate and systematically incorporating topics pertaining to diversity and inclusion into curriculum.

Assistant Professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology

Dr. Schon received a joint BA/MA in Psychology from the University of Hamburg in Germany in 1998, and her PhD from the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Boston University in 2005. Her dissertation focused on functional neuroimaging studies of working memory and long-term (episodic) memory formation under the mentorship of Dr. Chantal Stern. She then continued her work with Dr. Stern as a postdoc. In 2010 she received a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award from the National Institute on Aging to investigate the effects or cardio-respiratory fitness and exercise on the function and structure of the medial temporal hippocampal memory system. In May 2013 she joined Anatomy & Neurobiology at Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine as an assistant professor where she is the Director of the Brain Plasticity and Neuroimaging Laboratory.

Pathway Programs Specialist for Diversity & Inclusion – Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Natalie is a dedicated public health specialist specializing in international healthcare policy, migrant health, and the social determinants of health. She holds a Master of Public Health from Boston University, with additional Human Rights and Social Justice certifications. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Policy Administration from The Pennsylvania State University and completed a concentration in Health Practice Policy at Queen Mary University of London. With extensive experience in program coordination, community outreach, and educational initiatives, she is dedicated to bridging gaps in health and education. She has successfully collaborated with diverse organizations, creating opportunities that inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in health and biomedical sciences.

Assistant Program Coordinator for Diversity & Inclusion – Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Cifi is a dedicated social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College and a passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. With experience at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital, Cifi has coordinated health equity programs, managed complex projects, and advocated for anti-racism education. Her expertise in program planning, community engagement, and supporting diverse populations makes her a valuable advocate for positive change. Actively involved in her community, Cifi is committed to creating impactful, inclusive programs that address disparities and empower individuals.