Anti-Racism Working Group
The Barnard Biology Anti-Racism Working Group (ARWG) is a coalition of students, faculty, and staff founded in the summer of 2020 under the leadership of Melissa Flores, former Department Administrator and Barnard Biology alum. This group meets regularly to discuss issues of racism and inequity in science education and strategizes ways to address them. Our overarching goal is to promote racial equity and justice in our department and in STEM fields.
ARWG 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