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IRIS’s Inclusive Research Opportunities Contribute to a Diverse Seismology Community

Session: Strategies and Actions for Fostering a Diverse Seismology Community

Type: Oral

Date: 4/21/2021

Presentation Time: 02:15 PM Pacific

Description: 

The IRIS Undergraduate Internship Program has facilitated summer research opportunities for 245 students since 1998. Between 1998 and 2008 average participation rates for underrepresented minorities was just 6.7%, and for females of all races and ethnicities 42.4%. Through the combination of intentionality, effort, program evaluation and time, average participation rates have increased for both populations to 21.4% and 54.4% respectively (2009 – 2020), while maintaining a satisfied pool of mentors. Tracking of program alumni indicates these efforts positively contribute to a diverse geosciences workforce. However, it also finds differences in the career pathways between URM and majority alumni suggesting more work is needed.

This change began with intentional commitments through explicit program goals and success metrics and was enabled through research-informed adjustments to the program’s operations. This included targeted recruitment efforts and partnerships, and modifications to the application to accommodate diverse populations and perspectives for success. Educating selection panels about diversity issues and bias and the development of a risk-based portfolio approach to selection have further supported this change. Once diverse students, including those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students and non-traditional students were accepted, additional effort in the running of the program to ensure inclusivity and safety were critical. For example, IRIS, in collaboration with others, has led the development of anti-harassment/discrimination training for undergraduate geoscience students. Monitoring and adjusting this work through the collection and analysis of data to ensure the desired impact has been critical. The process has required patience. However, even annual small steps, aligned in the same direction, lead to the sort of change IRIS, and the geoscience community more broadly, seeks.

Presenting Author: Michael Hubenthal

Student Presenter: No

Authors