Miscellaneous
Have you heard of BRiDGE? Tune in to today's podcast to learn how some trailblazing graduate students are taking matters into their own hands, by taking out the stodginess in traditional department seminars and turning them into a tool that works to change department culture and increase the visibility of traditionally underrepresented scientists in STEM. Historically, scientists invited to give seminars have been cis-gendered older white males. This is due to the cultural norm, that scientists only invite those within their own personal networks to give talks, gating the access to academia and making way for the ol' boys club phenomenon. Additionally, it is still not the norm at many unis to have just students meet with these invited speakers for cordial conversations on not only science, but the broader impacts of the individual's work and on their experiences along their career trajectory. BRIDGE aims to increase the representation and visibility of early career scientists from underrepresented groups to combat attrition of underrepresented graduate students. BRIDGE will increase the diversity of invited speakers on campus while providing a space for open and constructive conversations between current graduate students and early career researchers on the obstacles faced by underrepresented groups in STEM. In addition to highlighting the contributions of underrepresented scientists, BRIDGE provides invited early career researchers with a platform for sharing their research, and establishing collaborations at a leading research university. Tune in to our podcast to learn more! Or visit our website: https://blogs.umass.edu/bridge/ Or email us at bridge@umass.edu Follow the initiative on twitter @umassbridge Follow the trailblazers on twitter @TheNadiaFern @foramsraqu @palaeobak @scienceizgolden Or check out their youtube UMass BRiDGE