Diversity

Professor Morken values diversity in his laboratory and appreciates the power that arises by including student and postdoctoral colleagues of varied race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs in his research group.  Our group is most effective when people with different backgrounds bring their unique perspectives and approaches to solve problem of common interest.

A recent article appearing Angewandte Chemie (doi:10.1002/anie.202006717) by a privileged white male denouncing the importance of diversity in the work force is appalling and is the antithesis of my fundamental beliefs.  This article also portrays the Chinese chemistry community as riddled with fraud and this is contrary to my first-hand experience.  Unfortunately, the article fails to recognize systemic racial and gender bias, both overt and subtle, that has existed for generations, providing benefits to the privileged at the expense of the rest.  Recognizing these inequalities and acting to remove them is critical to the development of a fair and just society, and should be an obligation of academic gatekeepers.  As a laboratory at an academic institution, my co-workers and I address forefront problems in chemical research and this endeavor results in a degree and a path to a better future.  From this perspective, I am eager to work with any enthusiastic participants and am committed to treating each of my co-workers fairly and with respect, regardless of their personal make-up, and expect they will embrace the diversity in their colleagues.