Professor Weiss has a long-standing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in academia. The Weiss lab strives to be a welcoming environment for all personnel.

Dr. Weiss with REU students at the 2015 ABRCMS in Seattle, WA.
Dr. Weiss with REU students at the 2015 ABRCMS in Seattle, WA.

In 2021 Dr. Weiss was the 2020 recipient of the Carver College of Medicine Faculty Service Award, recognizing his 15-plus years as Co-director/Co-PI of a “Research Experiences for Undergraduates” (REU) summer program.  Funded by the National Science Foundation, the REU seeks to cultivate a diverse and talented STEM workforce by providing an intensive 10-week research experience for motivated undergraduates who do not have similar opportunities at their home institutions.  Dr. Weiss is also a 13-time ABRCMS attendee and served as Microbiology Chair at the 2018 ABRCMS in Indianapolis.