Lab Values and Commitments

In striving to advance freshwater science and conservation, we are committed to promoting the following collective values through intentional actions:

We value a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas

• We believe that diversity contributes to richness of the lab environment and strengthens science, education, and conservation

• We recognize current and historical structures that have generated and enforced biases and inequities in science, ecology, and fisheries

• We continue to educate ourselves and others on eliminating discrimination, removing barriers to participation, and broadening representation of underrepresented groups

• We aim to recruit new lab members based on holistic evaluation, not based on ‘pedigree’ or ‘prestige’

• We work to include underrepresented groups in research and related opportunities

We value applying our science for the benefit of people and the environment

• We share our science through varied means of communication and outreach

• We collaborate broadly across disciplines and with agencies, NGOs, and community organizations 

• We work to co-develop our research to address stakeholder needs

We value inclusive and supportive lab culture

• We enjoy our work and have fun together

• We work to support and encourage each other in our science and professional development

• We share our expertise and mentor our junior colleagues

• We communicate expectations clearly and share challenges

• We promote work-life balance by respecting and accommodating each others varying needs and obligations including family and well being

• We support diverse career paths including research, education, management and practice

Commitment to continued implementation and improvement

All members of the lab take ownership of implementing these actions and helping to continually work on our culture and ensure equitable and inclusive practices.

• We recognize and acknowledge our own positionality as individuals, as scientists, and as members of institutions 

• We annually review our values and commitments and have a conversation about updates with new lab members 

• We seek out opportunities for continued professional growth in support of our values

Some examples of things we have done and plan to do to encompass these values:

• We will continue to dedicate at least one lab meeting each semester to a JEDI topic.

• We support diversity in our professional practice by being intentional in actions including citations in our articles, invitations to present to lab or conference sessions, recommendations of manuscript reviewers, and award nominations.

• Lab members have completed Professional Development DEI certificates and CRLT teaching certificates and often participate in workshops and trainings on inclusive and equitable teaching and JEDI topics.

• Students participate in programs such as the Michigan Sea Grant Fellowship and Fish and Wildlife Service Directorate Fellows Program which allows them to interact with scientist and managers from different backgrounds. 

• Lab members have and continue to participate in the UMNH Science Communication Fellows Program.

• We have a weekly writing hour for postdocs and students to discuss, problem solve and give feedback on work. 

• We have lab social gatherings outside of campus including apple picking, athletic and cultural events, lab dinners, and more!

• Lab members each complete an individual development plan or mentoring agreement to clarify goals and expectations and these should be revisited annually.