Kaku So-Armah, Ph.D., has accepted the role of Assistant Chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

We are delighted to announce that Kaku So-Armah, Ph.D., has accepted the role of Assistant Chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Department of Medicine’s Faculty Development and Diversity Office effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. So-Armah identifies as a husband, a father, an epidemiologist, and an Associate Professor in the Section of General Internal Medicine, amongst other things.  His lab uses molecular biology coupled with data on health behaviors, risk factors, and disease diagnoses to identify and explain novel epidemiological associations and identify novel intervention targets. His research focuses on substance use and chronic infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis (TB) and how these exposures impact the heart, liver, and lungs. The populations and problems on which his lab focuses have attracted scientists from groups underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce. He recognizes, values, and leverages the power of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in solving complex research and clinical problems.

Additionally, Dr. So-Armah currently collaborates with several fantastic teams on the following initiatives:

  • The Inclusion Diversity & Equity In Addiction medicine, Addiction health professions, and Addiction research (IDEAAA) program. 
  • The Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Program
  • The Grayken Center for Addiction Anti-racist Approach to Substance Use Treatment working group
  • The BU School of Medicine Faculty Development and Diversity Committee (FDDC)
  • The BU Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) grant application

Working alongside the Faculty Development & Diversity Office, as Assistant Chair, Dr. So-Armah will focus on:

  • Serving as a faculty resource to ensure that all DoM Faculty are recruited using best practices for inclusive searches.
  • Meeting with potential Faculty candidates to discuss DEIA in the DoM.
  • Advising DoM Faculty Development and Diversity’s Evans Student Scholars Program.
  • Working with Vice Chair, Director, and Associate Chair on DEIA initiatives in the DoM.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. So-Armah!

View all posts