About

Ombudsperson Support

Every member of the UChicago PME community should be treated with fairness, integrity, and respect. Select UChicago PME faculty members and graduate students are appointed as ombudspersons to serve as neutral third parties in instances of conflict, mistreatment, or abuse. They work with individual students, researchers, staff, and faculty to explore options, identify appropriate resources, and, if warranted, call attention to patterns of behavior that do not align with our community standards.

The ombudspersons do not share names or concerns without receiving the complainant’s permission. The only exception to confidentiality is in the case of imminent risk of serious harm as determined by the ombudsperson, where mandated by law, and in situations of sexual misconduct/gender-based harassment matters where federal law (Title IX) requires information to be passed on to the main campus’ Title IX office. If confidentiality is a concern, then you should explore this further with the ombudsperson.

UChicago PME’s current ombudspersons are:

For students who wish to explore concerns with non-PME affiliates, the University Ombuds Office will help identify options and strategies for resolution. The Ombuds is not an advocate or a lawyer but can advise rights and responsibilities within the University. The Ombuds Office provides a safe and confidential space to explore conflicts, problems, and concerns that arise during life at the University. When receiving reports of Title IX or other sexual misconduct/gender-based harassment, the University Ombuds Office cannot guarantee confidentiality, but can guarantee privacy. Information disclosed on these matters will be shared with the Title IX Coordinators.

Read more: ombudsperson.uchicago.edu/about

The University of Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. If you have concerns about an instance of bias, discrimination, or harassment, please review these additional resources:

Meet Your Ombudspersons

Joey Federico

Student Ombudsperson

Joey Federico joined UChicago PME in 2021 and is a PhD student in the Riesenfeld and Jabri labs. He studies the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, in particular celiac disease, and the mechanisms by which tissue alarmin cytokines mediate tissue destruction. He is passionate about helping his fellow classmates navigate complex issues. 

Camaryn Bennett

Student Ombudsperson

Camaryn Bennett joined UChicago PME in 2023 and is a PhD student in the Rowan group, working on pluripotent materials. They grew up in and attended school in Ohio, earning a degree in chemistry. They are passionate about science outreach and diversity in STEM. In their free time, they enjoy reading, baking, and crocheting.