Diversity
The Magnet Lab is committed to diversity in all areas of its facility, from undergraduates to faculty, technicians to professional staff. That commitment is put into practice through the lab's Diversity Action Plan, which is aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of both faculty and students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Magnet Lab is taking the necessary steps to become a nationally recognized leader in the diversity of its scientific, technical and engineering staff. We want to be as well known for our diversity as we are for the quality of our educational and outreach programs. How will we get there? By building permanent diversity into our scientific staff, and by actively working with and recruiting students from underrepresented groups – from grade school to graduate school – to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in scientific research.
The Diversity and Action Plan addresses an issue of critical national importance: developing a strong and diverse scientific and engineering work force as the U.S. increasingly faces challenges to its role as world leader in science and technology. Part of the plan is to identify promising underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students and to provide them with an enriching
environment. Lab scientists and Center for Integrating Research and Learning staff regularly travel to raise awareness about Magnet Lab science, and recruit students for the lab's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program as part of the College Outreach – Workforce Initiative (CO-WIN). By providing these students meaningful and relevant research opportunities, the lab helps reinforce students' commitment to securing the highest degree possible.
The Magnet Lab also recognizes that early exposure to science increases the odds that an underrepresented student will pursue STEM subjects into college, and targets K-12 students through its educational outreach programs.
For more information, please contact Dragana Popovic, Director of the Diversity Program.
