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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Outreach

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Why is it important?

  • Underrepresented and marginalized individuals and groups of people bring invaluable richness to all domains of society, especially education and research

  • Promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space not only benefits marginalized communities – it benefits us all! Maintaining a diverse institution and laboratory propels us forward by allowing us to see multiple perspectives for better problem solving

Advocacy Work:

  • Disability is an often overlooked and forgotten about group that is critical to DEI

  • More often than not, disability has become an afterthought in DEI initiatives

  • As a scientist and educator, I am passionate about making materials accessible to all. Because of this, I have long been committed to making my classroom suitable to all needs

  • It has been an honor for me to serve as an expert consultant for the International Alliance for Ability in Science (IAFAIS). IAFAIS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded and ran by disabled women in STEM

  • I have consulted the board of IAFAIS on engineering topics and laboratory needs for individuals taking courses or doing a wide variety of research in engineering and computer science

  • IAFAIS has produced outstanding educational resources for disabled students and researchers in STEM. Of these, I have aided in free 1:1 tutoring for STEM students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) such as dyscalculia and dyslexia

  • I have aided in grant writing consultation and fundraising for the group, which has resulted in an incoming $15,000. These funds have been used solely to provide scholarship and financial aid opportunities for disabled students and researchers in STEM fields

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  • I served as a PhD student volunteer and organizer with I-MRSEC to device science demos for middle school students from lower income families

  • With I-MRSEC, I also provided mentorship for undergraduate students as a part of I-MRSEC Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

  • At the University of Manitoba, I served as an undergraduate student volunteer by generating supplemental educational materials and individualized course notes for disabled students

  • I Received the Randy Futros Memorial Award for outstanding service for disabled students

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