Image Credit: Dr. Maggie Lewis, PhD 2020, Hamby Lab
The DEI Working Group
The Department is consciously committed to improving inclusion, broadening participation, and ensuring the success of all our members, facilitated by various UMD programs, previous and ongoing efforts in developing and enforcing fair policies and procedures, as well as our department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group (DEIWG). The DEIWG solicits and carefully analyzes feedback, setting goals and providing accountability for reaching and improving upon them. The DEIWG also promotes and provides learning opportunities and trainings related to diversity to all department members. We strive for every aspect of our department to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Department is consciously committed to improving inclusion, broadening participation, and ensuring the success of all our members, facilitated by various UMD programs, previous and ongoing efforts in developing and enforcing fair policies and procedures, as well as our department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group (DEIWG). The DEIWG solicits and carefully analyzes feedback, setting goals and providing accountability for reaching and improving upon them. The DEIWG also promotes and provides learning opportunities and trainings related to diversity to all department members. We strive for every aspect of our department to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Projects and Achievements
- ENCOURAGE DIVERSE VOICES AT SEMINAR SERIES - Since Oct 2020 we increased diverse voices at our seminar series by explicitly encouraging invitations to diverse scientist and scientists who are advocates for diversity and inclusion.
- CLIMATE SURVEY - In January 2021, a climate survey was sent to all current and past members of the department to assess their experiences in the department related to diversity and inclusion, identify strengths and weaknesses, and elicit ideas to make our department a more supportive place for people of all identities. Findings from the survey will provide direction for future committee actions. These findings were presented to the Department at our weekly seminar series in Oct 2021.
- DEI WEBPAGE - In sept 2021 the DEI website was published; the website serves as a platform to articulate to the broader community the department of entomology’s commitment to support and engage in DEI efforts. Increased visibility of the departments DEI work will demonstrate the departments preparedness to be accountable to their statements and commitment to sustaining initiatives and efforts beyond the current news cycle.
- BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY - To build upon a sense of community at the department level creating opportunities for departmental introduction at the start of the semester the DEI working group hosted entm intros at the first colloquium of the fall 2021 semester as an event to introduce all members to the whole department.
- REVISED FEC PROCESS - In 2022 members of the WG transformed the annual internal review of tenure-track and professional-track faculty within the department of entomology. Implementing a well-defined rubric for self-evaluation, the revised process serves the dual purpose of encouraging a climate in which faculty can ask for and receive the support and feedback they need to thrive, while ensuring they meet university guidelines. Additional criteria were added to formally value service that is often invisible in the academy, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- CODE OF CONDUCT - In 2022 our Dept codified a Code of Conduct to clarify the values and principles to which the Department of Entomology strives, both for our internal use, and as an outward-facing statement of our mutual commitments and expectations. The Code defines standards for inclusive professional conduct and behavior, and provides a benchmark against which individual and organizational performance can be measured.
- LGBTQ+ SPEAKERS BUREAU PANEL - In March 2022 we hosted a panel discussion w/ LGBTQ+ students and allies on LGBTQ+ issues on campus
- ‘NEW SCIENCE’ EXHIBIT IN HALLS OF PSLA - California Academy of Sciences "New Science" exhibit highlights the work of LGBTQ+ and gender minority scientists across STEM fields. From April – June 2022 Entomology and Plant Science were excited to bring a piece of their exhibit to the halls of University of Maryland Plant Sciences Building. Posters highlighted extraordinary scientists, like Dr. Lauren Esposito, Oliver Nguyen and Chelsea Connor. Each poster features a unique QR code so visitors can learn more information about the featured scientist's research and their inspirational journey to STEM.
How to Get Involved
The working group is open to all department members. Should you want to get involved please reach out to us via email at [email protected]
Current Chair: Anahi Espindola, Assistant Professor
The working group is open to all department members. Should you want to get involved please reach out to us via email at [email protected]
Current Chair: Anahi Espindola, Assistant Professor
Upcoming Events
Journal clubs, seminars and meetings
Journal clubs, seminars and meetings
