Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
--- "Change what you can, and show others that the changes are for the better!" ---
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I am a female, Chinese Indonesian who grew up in a traditional household. Even though Chinese Indonesian cultures have evolved to embrace gender equality, many of my elderly relatives still see me as less than my younger brother. To this day, I can vividly recall how thankful I was when my father stood up to his father (my grandfather), defending the rights to equal educational opportunities for all of his children. Behind my grandfather’s back, my father often reminded me to stay focused on pursuing my dream to be a professor. Although my father never managed to change his father's view on gender equality, my father certainly made a significant impact on who I am today. This life lesson has taught me that while I may not be able to change the world, I have the power to make small changes that can mean the world to someone, and I want to be that person who makes a difference in someone else's life. Today, DEI initiatives are employed as our ongoing efforts to 1) increase diversity in many aspects of our community, such as race, age, gender, ethnicity, religious belief, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability status, and many others, 2) remove biases, harassment, and discrimination, and 3) create an inclusive environment that welcomes and embraces differences. Throughout my study and academic career, I have been a DEI advocate, and I am committed to continue promoting DEI in academia and engineering fields.
DEI Contributions
Reviewed applications for the AIAA Diversity Scholar Program.
Established partnership with L&N STEM Academy (STEM magnet high school within Knox County Schools).
Created a summer mini-course for high school teachers, "Advanced Air Mobility for Naval Applications" (funded by Office of Naval Research).
Provided summer research experience for high school students, "Computational Methods for Naval Applications" (funded by Office of Naval Research).
Advised and mentored a diverse group of students, including those who identify themselves as females, Hispanics, African Americans, foreign nationals, low-income students, first-generation college students, and community college students.
Created a template for Syllabus Language and Honor Code & Course Policy quiz to prevent academic incivility, intimidation, bullying, and entitlement, hold students accountable for their conduct, and establish positive instructor-student and student-student relationships.
Served on an inclusive teaching panel: "Supporting International Faculty with Teaching at UTK".
Created and delivered DEI seminars for undergraduate and graduate students.
Redesigned the undergraduate aerospace seminar to include DEI for better student retention.
Served in the Tickle College of Engineering Diversity Action Plan (Goal 5: Ensure curricular requirements to include significant intercultural perspectives).
DEI Awards
Office of the Provost Research Development Academy Scholar (2022-2023): The Research Development Academy (RDA) provides workshops and additional supports for tenure-track faculty from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. This award includes a 12-week participation in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity's Faculty Success Program and a stipend of $4,000 to support the faculty's research, scholarship, and/or creative activities.
MABE Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion Award (2021): This award is in recognition of the faculty efforts to promote diversity and inclusion as well as her hard work and active participation in the college diversity committee. This award includes a financial gift of $1,000.
1794 Scholars Program Mentor to 1st-place poster presentation winner for campus involvement category (2020): The 1794 Scholars Program is a two-year honors program for students who are dedicated to both academic excellence and active participation at UT and Knoxville areas. The mentee, Nicholas Crowder, presented about his experience as the treasurer of the Student Space Technology Association and won first place in the campus involvement category.
Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach Mentor of the Year (2017-2018): The University of Michigan Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach (CEDO) gave this award to recognize mentors for their commitment in creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion for students with disadvantaged backgrounds and first-generation college students. Mentors must be nominated by their protégés for having the commitment to make a difference in their academic success.