Our Goals
The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is focused on furthering diversity and inclusion to ensure that the department offers a welcoming and inclusive climate for everyone. We would like to increase the number of underrepresented minorities on our faculty and attract more underrepresented students to the PhD and undergraduate programs.
The committee includes representatives from the tenured/tenure-track faculty, teaching faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Input from department members is sought in the form of confidential meetings, anonymous comment submission, and surveys. The committee presents at departmental gatherings and organizes informational and training events. Meetings between the committee and similar committees in other departments are aimed at establishing best practices and coordinating across departments.
Current Agenda
- Improve recruitment strategies for graduate and undergraduate URM students
- Work with the department to include a track for physics majors without previous physics experience
- Learn about scholarship possibilities for URM students
- Conduct department wide survey on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to better understand the current state of the physics department
What has the Committee been up to?
The Physics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is committed to ensuring that the department is a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Below is a list of past activities that we hope has moved us closer to this goal.
Fall 2019
- "This is Physics" posters, showing how diverse the field of physics is/can be are prominently displayed in the department near Crow 201
- Implemented an anonymous inclusion feedback form for the physics department
Spring 2018
- Physicsist, speaker and NASA scientist K. Renee Horton, PhD, discussed the importance of inclusion, her work at NASA and her nontraditional educational path during a visit cosponsored by the Physics Department and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.