Our lab is committed to creating an inclusive community of scholars - one that is full of creative collaborations and supportive relationships. We welcome people of all backgrounds, personal experiences, values and perspectives, and we strive for an inclusive lab where all feel respected.

Why is this important? Including and celebrating a diversity of backgrounds enriches the experience for all involved. Combining diverse perspectives helps us ask more meaningful, impactful questions. Mentoring diverse scholars helps ensure that the scientific leaders of tomorrow reflect society as a whole. And there is plenty of evidence that diverse teams are more innovative and successful.

How do we do this? We welcome lab members from multiple perspectives. We recognize that every lab member needs different forms of support and mentorship. We make space to learn together and from each other regarding diversity and inclusion. We mentor younger BIPOC students interested in careers in science. And we study the equity and justice dimensions of environmental problems in our research.  

Beyond our lab group, we are committed to recognizing and combating racism, inequality, and injustice in all its forms in higher education and society. This commitment requires acknowledging our privilege, using it for good, learning continuously, and being vocal allies and advocates for equity and inclusion.

Here are some articles and resources that inform our approach to diversity and inclusion. 

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion reading list for the natural sciences

• Diverse groups outperform others

• National Academies: Mentoring to diversify STEM

• The Diversity Bonus

Please also see commitments to diversity and inclusion by Gund Institute and the University of Vermont.