Invigorating the geoscience community: Graduate student-led efforts in creating inclusive, equal, and diverse science and community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Abstract
Geoscience programs have historically lacked equitable representation of diverse groups. Recent studies suggest that earth sciences and neighboring ocean and atmospheric sciences are the least diverse in all science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. To combat this issue, many geoscientists are working to develop strategies to increase diversity and inclusiveness of geoscience spaces.
However, there are numerous barriers still present in the field that continue to limit the quantity of equal opportunities for underrepresented minorities to the detriment of scientific research and the geoscience community. Chief among these barriers are: 1) Recognition of unspoken rules required for students of variable backgrounds to successfully navigate undergraduate and graduate degrees; 2) Assumptions about outdoor knowledge and experience, or long-term availability for field trips; 3) Narrow cultural perceptions of who can be a geoscientist. Here, we share unique and varied methodologies we are using to close diversity gaps by stimulating and fostering departmental conversations, focused mentor-matching, and professional development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. GeoPath is a newly developed peer-to-peer mentorship network run by graduate students in the Geoscience Department at UW-Madison that seeks to target equity issues at the early career and student stages. We aim to open the doors of geoscience to diverse students and collaborators, and level the playing field by hosting a range of academic and social initiatives aimed at broadening the perception of who can be a geoscientist and issues that individuals face in pursuit of this title. Our efforts so far have included but are not limited to: facilitating mentor-matching between graduate and undergraduate students, developing a 'Diversi-Tea' lunch series focused on opening conversations between faculty, staff, and students about topics related to equity, and developing an 'outdoor gear library' to enable all students to participate in field experiences. Significant change has developed through these efforts within the UW-Madison Geoscience Department, with high turnout rates from scientists at all levels, a substantial increase in research and mentorship connections, and a greater sense of community.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMED31C0980V
- Keywords:
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- 0855 Diversity;
- EDUCATION;
- 1974 Social networks;
- INFORMATICS;
- 6630 Workforce;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES;
- 6620 Science policy;
- PUBLIC ISSUES