VOICES
The representation of various ethnic and cultural groups, and people with disabilities in the Earth sciences is critically low demonstrating an urgent need for new & innovative approaches to increase diversity. VOICES is a collaborative focused on identifying new pathways to dismantle persistent barriers in the recruitment, retention, and representation of different racial, ethnic and cultural groups, including the intersectionality of those with disabilities. VOICES invokes the power of disaggregated stories and individual cultural identities that persevere despite the traditional expectations, values, and methods of teaching and learning Earth science. VOICES has four primary elements: Identity, Belonging, Place, & Security of which each element reflects different contexts within Earth science education for groups of diverse students, faculty and professionals. Using a mixture of social behavioral approaches including surveys focus groups and thematic workshops. The outcome will lead to: 1) a more culturally robust science community through broadening the awareness of cultural and intersectional knowledge across multiple underrepresented groups, 2) the establishment of a national diversity champions network, and 3) the design & deployment of best culturally inclusive practices for welcoming all students & scientists from groups underrepresented in the Earth sciences.
Lisa White, Ph.D
Assistant Director
(Education & Outreach)
UC Museum of Paleontology
Gillian Bowser, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Colorado State University
Nina Roberts, Ph.D
Professor
College of Health & Social Sciences, San Francisco State University
Wendy F. Todd, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
American Indian Studies & Earth Sciences
UMD
Chris Atchison, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Geoscience Education
Richard Harvey, Ph.D
Professor
College of Health & Social Sciences
San Francisco State University
This project is made possible from funding provided by the National Science Foundation GEO-2036452