ARWG
DEI Working Group
The Barnard Biology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group (DEIWG) is a coalition of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to advancing inclusivity within our department. The DEIWG evolved from the Anti-Racism Working Group, founded in the summer of 2020. This group meets regularly to develop strategies to support students from historically marginalized backgrounds in their academic pursuits in Biology. The DEIWG also works to formulate strategies on the departmental level to enhance and deepen our commitment to this work. Through initiatives and ongoing dialogue, this group aims to create pathways for underrepresented groups to pursue and succeed in the biological sciences, understanding that a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and voices enriches our understanding of the biological world and contributes to the robustness of our research and education.
DEI Working Group Initiatives and Outcomes
- Restructured discussion sections in Introductory Biology to include curriculum that address the intersection of science, society, and social justice
- Increased transparency and accessibility in the student hiring process.
- Introduced the Seminar Speaker and Coffee Hour Series, highlighting the research of scientists of color
- Hosted workshops on demystifying research led by Professor Jon Snow
- Employed two student Biology Ambassadors to promote outreach and student engagement in our department
- Promoted inclusive teaching practices for departmental faculty, teaching staff, and student TAs through workshops in collaboration with the Center for Engaged Pedagogy