The departmental Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee is tasked with creating and sustaining an environment where everyone can grow and become the unique scientists that they aspire to be.
We work to foster a supportive and welcoming department through a variety of activities, including: sponsoring seminars on cultural issues in science, ensuring open communication between faculty and students, educating ourselves and our department about EDI issues, and hosting workshops led by trained external facilitators. We actively seek suggestions and input from department members and experts outside the department.
Design Sprint 2021
In collaboration with the D+I Studio, we held a department-wide "Design Sprint" in February 2021 to brainstorm strategies for building community and fostering a welcoming and inclusive climate. Over 60 people attended and dozens of strategies were discussed. The EDI Committee is developing a planning document to implement many of these great ideas.
Fall 2020 EDI Seminar
We hosted Dr. Emily Cooperdock (USC) for a seminar and discussion of her work on diversity in the geosciences (Bernard and Cooperdock 2018).
Ongoing EDI Discussion Group
A monthly reading and discussion group, led by GeoSci postdocs and open to everyone in the department. Contact Jenny Bergner for more information.
Spring 2019 EDI Seminar
We hosted Dr. Christina Richey (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory) for a seminar and discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, particularly earth and planetary science.
PSD Roundtable Talks
The Director of EDI for the PSD, Neli Fanning, has developed a series of roundtable talks around issues of inclusion and anti-racism. Faculty participants from our department include Clara Blattler, Fred Ciesla, Maureen Coleman, Tiffany Shaw, and Graham Slater.
Climate Survey
We developed and conducted a climate survey for graduate students in the department in Winter 2019. The results of this survey have helped shape our priorities and activities for improving department climate.
