Lab Diversity Statement
The Kisley Lab believes that the best research results from working with a diverse team. We foster a sense of community in our group where everyone should feel welcome, respected, and safe. We reject racism and prejudice of all kinds and welcome individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, race, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disability status, socioeconomic background, and other visible and nonvisible differences.
We recognize that the field of physics historically and currently has a representation problem. We encourage members of our group to improve diversity by getting involved and making change through:
- Participating in outreach locally and nationally. Locally, because we recognize that our own neighbors in Cleveland and East Cleveland encounter inequality and challenges. Nationally, showing our involvement in the diversity programs run nationwide by organizations like APS, ACS, MRS, Biophysical Society, AIP, etc.
- Realizing the importance of outreach at the high school and earlier levels since under-representation in physics starts as soon as the undergraduate level
- Being actively involved in departmental groups committed to diversity including the Physics Underrepresented Minority Students (PURMS) and the CWRU Women in Physics and Astronomy Club.
- Reading and participating in events about the challenges faced by and best practices to improve the education, mentorship of underrepresented groups. For example, using CWRU's Diversity 360 sessions to educate ourselves on how to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for learning.
We will share what we learn with each other through discussions in group meeting and our #outreach channel on Slack.
Outreach
Diversity and Outreach Efforts in Our Group
Lydia created and leads the “Stories of Science in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens” series where we believe telling stories through history & relating it to someone’s personal culture & location is a powerful way to inspire interest in STEM. Funded by the NSF CSDM-A program.
Lab participation in outreach events including the Sciencepalooza! outreach event with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and ACS Chemistry Week with the Northeastern Ohio section of the ACS.
One-on-one mentoring through PURMS, APS-Bridge, Women In Science and Humanities Earning Doctorates (WISHED) and WISER programs at CWRU, and the Eureka Street program nationally to advise and retain physicists from underrepresented groups.
Lydia and Hannah are members of the inaugural APS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance committee within the department and national network.
Anuj is a Rise-up NEO 2020 fellow
Lydia’s YouTube channel features outreach talks and lectures
If you are interested in visiting the Kisley laboratory for a tour, please let us know. It also may be possible for a scientist from our group to visit your school, museum, or community event, depending on distance and openings in our schedules.