Unlearning Racism in Geoscience

Unlearning Racism in Geoscience logo

 

Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) is a national EDI program funded by the NSF to help Geoscientists develop policies that improve accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion. The Scripps URGE pod was formed in Spring of 2021 and was divided into the current six subpods to refine our deliverables. Each subpod is focused on developing deliverables that review each topic and create actionable suggestions for improvement. Everyone is welcomed to join and be a part of any subpod, no experience needed!

For information about the Scripps URGE Pod, please contact sio-urge@ucsd.edu.  [The Scripps URGE Pod was formed in compliance with Proposition 209.]

For information about the national URGE Program, please contact Dr. Vashan Wright at vwright@ucsd.edu or Carlene Burton at c1burton@ucsd.edu

Admissions and Hiring

Scripps Institution of Oceanography is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity within its student body, project scientists, faculty, and staff. This means actively ensuring opportunities such as job fairs, showcases, and admissions are made accessible to underrepresented groups, and also account for the social barriers individuals face. Further, we will consider the standard hiring/admissions process, bias trainings, and other practices to make admissions and hiring more equitable.

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Julie Kalansky, Lynn Russell, Jen MacKinnon

Current pod members:  Ale Sanchez-Rios, Colleen Petrik, Sarah Gille, Mara Freilich, Geno Pawlak, Alli Ho, Adeline Liem

Collaboration with Communities of Color

Research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography encompasses both local and world-wide projects, sometimes leading to collaboration with various communities of color. In seeking to understand what types of interactions have worked well or not, we can establish best practices and policies for future engagements with communities of color.

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Anna Wilson, Noreen Garcia

Current pod members: Jenny Bowen, Nick Lutsko, Kathy Barbeau, Cheryl Peach, Noreen Garcia

Demographic Data

The Demographic Data subpod compiles and reviews SIO’s demographic data and stated goals concerning demographics and increasing diverse representation. In addition to evaluating the current demographics, we discuss issues of transparency and public accessibility to the demographic data.

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Peter Yao

Current pod members: Zoe Yin, Ellis Vavra, Raymond Young, Margaret Morris, Jose Martinez-Claros, Elizabeth Thanh Tam Nguyen

Racism Complaints Policy

The Racism Complaints Policy subpod discusses the current SIO and UCSD policies for handling complaints, the reporting process, resources, and possible outcomes. 

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Madeleine Kerr

Current pod members: Max Rintoul, Jane Teranes, Emma Hoffman, Michaela Labare, Danielle McHaskell

Resource Map

The Resource Map aims to provide an overview of the many available resources at Scripps Institution of Oceanography to support underrepresented groups in their academic and career related endeavors. These resources include engagement with mentors, work resources, community groups, mental health support, professional development, and outreach. We also intend to provide suggestions to improve pre-existing resources and bridge crucial gaps where current resources do not exist.

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Sarah Ogle, Kristen Guirguis

Current pod members: Noel G. Brizuela, Luke Colosi, Anai Novoa

SIO Community Empathy Board Wellness Edition

The Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) Resource map pod invites you to contribute to this Jamboard (example above) and learn about a variety of mental health and self care resources here! Are there any resources that you would like us to add? Please let us know.

Safety Plan and Code of Conduct

The Safety Plan and Code of Conduct subpod focuses on developing an SIO-specific safety plan and code of conduct for classes, labs, and organizations to use as resources. These resources prioritize the mental and physical health of SIO community members in addition to creating safe and inclusive spaces both on campus and in the field for research. 

Here is the 2021 deliverable.

Pod-leader(s): Anna Wilson, Monica Nelson

Current pod members:  Chloe Gustafson, Lilian McCormick, Aurora Roth, Elizabeth Thanh Tam Nguyen

The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this webpage are those of the Scripps URGE Pod members and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, or Scripps Institution of Oceanography.