EDI Committee News
EDI Committee Newsletter, July 2021
July 13, 2021 - We are excited to publish the EDI Committee Newsletter 2021 where we highlight the progress that has been made in the past year. We also share goals and announce the faculty membership for the upcoming year.
Physics & Astronomy Research Experience Award
May 12, 2021 - McMaster Daily News reports on the newly established Physics & Astronomy Research Experience Award, created to support undergraduate Faculty of Science students who identify as racialized, Black and/or Indigenous and have an interest in research. Students will be paid a stipend to work alongside department researchers beginning in May 2022. To learn more about and to contribute to the fund, click the button below.
Executive Summary of EDI Survey 2020
March 22, 2021 - Last December the department's Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) committee undertook a survey of the department to help us to prioritize proposed EDI initiatives and to obtain feedback from department members. The results of the survey can be found here: Resource: Executive Summary of EDI Survey 2020
About the Committee
The Department of Physics & Astronomy’s Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Committee was formed September 2020 to advocate for and address the needs of marginalized members of our community. The EDI Committee works to build equity in the Department’s education, research, and scholarship activities and provide equal opportunity.
This webpage will act as the communication hub for the Committee to engage with our community members. The Committee aims to work transparently and will provide regular updates on this webpage. The Committee also welcomes feedback and encourages members of the Department to communicate with us and hold us accountable.
The Committee members for the 2021-2022 Academic Year:
- Chair – Dr. Christine Wilson
- Vice-chair – Dr. Robert Cockcroft
- Faculty Representative – Dr. Alan Chen
- Faculty Representative – Dr. Duncan O'Dell
- Graduate Student Representative – Claude Cournoyer-Cloutier
- Graduate Student Representative – Rachel Pillsworth
- Undergraduate Student Representative – Bafrin Ali
- Post-doctoral Representative – Dr. Marta Reina-Campos
- Staff Representative – Dr. Dan FitzGreen
Initiatives
Ongoing
Curriculum
- Development of an Indigenous astronomy course with Indigenous collaborators on- and off-campus
Training/Learning
- Colloquia to educate Department members on EDI topics
- Establishing a departmental demographic/climate survey
Communication/Community Building
- Creation of webpage to communicate EDI news and events
- Compiling EDI resources, including training programs, available to staff, faculty, and students
- Hosting a town hall for all members of the Department to open discussion and encourage feedback on all EDI issues and initiatives
Student support
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The newly established Physics & Astronomy Research Experience Award will support students in developing valuable research skills during their undergraduate experience. Funding will be awarded to students who identify as racialized, Black or Indigenous and who are pursuing research opportunities in Physics & Astronomy. To learn more and to contribute to the fund, click the button below.
Goals
Training/Learning
- Coordinating EDI training workshops in the Department with the Equity & Inclusion Office
Communication/Community Building
- Mentoring program for students from underrepresented groups within the department
- Training program to become better mentors
Student support
Outreach
- Indigenous astronomy public outreach initiative
- Physics lab kits sent to students in underrepresented groups accompanied with a mentorship program
- Expand Girls in Science day to include underrepresented groups broadly
- Mentoring program for students from underrepresented groups (with high school students)
Advocacy
- Award for students working to foster inclusivity
Events
Upcoming
- Graduate-student only workshop - Thursday, April 28th, 2022 - 3:00pm-5:00pm
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fundamentals: This workshop is an introduction to equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn about key concepts and policies administered by the Equity and Inclusion Office.
Past Events
- Asking for Help: A Mental Health Workshop, Zeinab Khawaja, Student Wellness Centre - Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 2:30pm-3:30pm
- Why asking for support can be so difficult for many of us.
- Colloquium Speakers, Dr. Ninan Abraham, University of British Columbia - Wednesday, September 29, 2021 - 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Colloquium Speakers, Kate Brown & Devon Mordell, Equity & Inclusion Office, McMaster University - Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Colloquium Speaker, Dr. Robert Cockcroft, McMaster University - Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Fall 2020 Town Hall – Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 3:30pm
- Colloquium Speaker, Dr. Shohini Ghose, Wilfred Laurier University- Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - 3:30pm-4:30pm
- Workshop, An Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion led by Khadijeh Rakie from McMaster's Office of Equity & Inclusion - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - 3:00pm-4:30pm
