“A Bright IDEA: A Discussion on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in the Natural Sciences,” was held on campus in the university center on Saturday, Feb. 17, which included three speakers from a variety of disciplines in the natural sciences.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) concepts, coursework and experiences are becoming increasingly common in the science field in guiding and highlighting the importance of the skills, knowledge and innovation that are needed to continue to drive science forward.
The workshop was held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and consisted of a welcoming reception and introduction which led into the first topic: “Promoting Representation in Conservation” by Sharon Dorsey, naturalist and educator based in Baltimore, Maryland. She has produced an autobiographical documentary on her experience in fieldwork as a woman of color, “Black in Conversation.” Additionally, she has contributed to a collection of short stories, “Been Outside,” which feature narratives of women of color, nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals’ experiences in nature.
Next, Phillip Stephson presented “Life’s a Dance, You Learn as You Go.” Phillip Stephenson is the southwest region’s intern and fellow coordinator and has been with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 2019. In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of DEI and how individuals outside of the diverse community can be supportive and assist others.
Following was Colleen Olfenbuttel’s, “The Wildlife Society’s Out in the Field Initiative: Resources for LGBTQ+ Wildlifers and Their Allies.” Collen Olfenbuttel is a certified wildlife biologist that has worked in the profession for over 25 years and co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications. She is a co-founder of the Wildlife Society’s Out in the Field initiative, an act that works to increase visibility, build community and support LGBTQIA+ wildlifers. Lastly, there was a panel discussion and a closing reception that enabled attendees to converse one-on-one with the speakers.
This event was sponsored by the students of the Wildlife Society with support from Dean Buschhaus and the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Dean Winters and the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, and Dr.Lafleur and the Center for Women and Gender Equality.
