Janetrix Hellen Amuguni, Faculty, Cummings

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Assistant Professor

A native of Kenya, Dr. Amuguni first came to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in International Development before completing her Ph.D. in Infectious Disease and Global Health at Tufts. In addition to serving as faculty at Tufts, she is the Senior Technical Lead for the USAID Emerging Pandemic Threats One Health Workforce force, coordinating collaborative initiatives across eight African countries that investigate, respond to, and counter existing and future emerging infectious disease outbreaks using a One Health approach.

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?

I want to work in a place that makes diversity and inclusion a big part of what they do. I’m black, I am a woman and I’m foreign – I want to feel like I belong and I don’t want to live in fear. In my work environment, I want to feel safe and secure. Diversity to me means that no matter, what I look like or where I come from, I belong , I am at home and I am valued for what I bring to the table. I want the same thing for the students I teach, especially in this current political climate.

Why is diversity and inclusion important at Tufts?

Tufts presents itself as a collaborative, engaging, inclusive university, and I think it has been exemplary at that. I work with people from different backgrounds, and I see that as a way that Tufts stands out as a university that’s very inclusive. This inclusivity is what builds an academic institution. If you’re closed in, you don’t know what’s happening around the world. But if you’re open, then you’re able to attract excellent minds who will change the culture and change the direction of your institution.