Jan / Feb 2023

In recognition of Black History Month, for this issue of the DEI in Research Digest, I’ve asked our DEI in Research Postdoc Caitlyn Chambers, who works with Prof. Tai Collins in CECH, to share her personal thoughts on the intersection of research and the black experience. Please read her story and peruse the other important items contained in this issue.

Pat Limbach

Vice President for Research

Black Resistance:

"Reflect and Take Action"

It is my great pleasure to bring in Black History month with you all, as we take the time to celebrate and reflect on this year’s theme of “Black Resistance,” reminding us of the importance of centering an understanding of our ancestry and lineage as an integral part of Black resistance work.

As we are faced with police brutality in America, Black maternal mortality rates, the  debates around AP courses focused on Black History in Florida classrooms, and the killing of Tyre Nichols and countless other Black men and women, we must take a stand. Did you know Black people in Ohio are more than 4 times more likely to be killed by the police than white people — which is even more disproportionate than the national disparity? There is work to do! It is of utmost importance, now more than ever, that each of us confront and resist the systems, institutions, and rhetoric that continue to devalue Black Lives and Futures.

Caitlyn Chambers

Research Fellow

In the Headlines

Black Americans’ Views of and Engagement With Science

Black Americans have largely positive views of medical researchers’ competence; majority concerned about the potential for misconduct

Funding Opportunities

STEMM Funding

On December 12, 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced it was expanding access and opportunities in the American science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) ecosystem through a slate of actions and commitments designed to eliminate systemic barriers.

The STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA), launched by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, will spearhead and coordinate cross-sector collaboration among government, business, civic, academic, non-profit, community-based, and philanthropic organizations.

For example, some of the opportunities provided by SOA partners include:

The Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity, launched by the National Science Foundation. This opportunity aims to support graduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups, in semiconductor and microelectronics research and development. Supplemental funding requests can be submitted at any time, with a target date of April 15 for each fiscal year. 2020 announcement of the broader INTERN program

The Summer Undergraduate Research or Internship Experience in Acoustics (SURIEA), a 12-week paid program from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) intended for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. The intensive program emphasizes training, mentoring, research, and preparing students for graduate studies and careers in acoustics while providing a minimum stipend of $7500 and up to $2000 to apply towards participation at an upcoming ASA meeting.

A full list of STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) funders, partners, and private commitments is available here.

Arts, Humanities, Social Science (AHSS) 

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Digital Justice Grant program provides resources and support for projects aiming to “diversify the digital domain, advance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice, and/or contribute to public understanding of racial and social justice issues,” especially those that engage with the interests and histories of historically marginalized communities.

In The Margins 

In The Margins brings you the latest, most relevant thought leadership as it pertains to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. Each episode looks at issues surrounding students, faculty, equity, and more.

Tune in! 

Upcoming Events

ACS February Panel Event

Join the Analytical Chemistry Society Division of Analytical Chemistry on February 28th to celebrate Black History Month! Dr. Renã A. S. Robinson will lead a lively discussion about the recent

Analytical Chemistry article “Perspectives and Reflections of Three African American Chemists” with the authors, Dr. Willie E. May, Dr. James W. Mitchell, and new UC Visiting Scholar Dr. Isiah M. Warner. The panel will take place at 7 pm EST on Zoom. Faculty are encouraged to attend with their students, and the article is recommended as pre-reading for the conversation. Register here and get ready to be inspired!

R&I Week Special Event: Digital Futures Flashpoint #10 | Economic Explosion! The Future of the Bioeconomy at the interface of Research, Business, and Technology.

Tuesday March 21, 2023

Zoom in from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm to see and hear the conversation!

RSVP for the event