American Physical Society - Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance

Summary

The APS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (APS-IDEA) is a new initiative with a mission of empowering and supporting physics departments, laboratories, and other organizations to identify and enact strategies for improving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). It will do so by establishing a community of transformation. Join our team of physics organizations as we launch an inaugural workshop, establish an online learning community, and unite to transform the culture of physics.

Our partner, Howard University, is a federally-funded, private historically black college/university (HBCU) in Washington, DC and it is one of only 48 private, doctoral degree-granting, research-intensive institutions in the U.S. The Physics Department at Howard University and the Physical Measurement Laboratory at NIST have prepared a 10-year sustainable plan for improving EDI, and set up our OU to be recognized as a leader for its efforts and successes.

Together, we hope to expand inclusion and belonging in physics and related fields.

Description - How APS-IDEA Works and Our Role

The vision is that as a result of collective efforts, physics and related fields will become more inclusive of all social identities, with a diversity reflective of the nation, and with an equitable distribution of opportunities and resources.

The network will provide a supportive environment to:

• exchange ideas, information, and experiences
• deepen knowledge of research and effective practices
• develop or improve EDI strategic plans
• discuss various EDI initiatives and reports from physics and related disciplines
• learn about theories of change
• begin planning IDEA’s programs

This is achieved through guiding principles of:

• centering people whose identities are marginalized
• utilizing sensemaking, including creating brave spaces
• implementing research-based transformational methods
• sharing leadership across levels; from students up to faculty

Our team represents a unique partnership between a university and national lab. The team members, who are diverse in regards to position, race, ethnicity, and gender, are motivated with proven dedication to EDI in STEM. Additionally, many collaborate scientifically, which will increase student involvement.

Some of our more concrete goals include:

• Attracting and retaining underrepresented minorities to build a strong quantum workforce
• Strengthen and expand scientific collaborations between NIST and Howard with mutual benefits:

Howard could increase graduate student recruitment based on strong partnership with NIST, and NIST would have access to a strong talent pool through Howard students

• Develop a sustainable and long-term strategy to increase EDI engagement within the broader communities of both NIST and Howard

Related Websites

• Howard University APS-IDEA Website (to be launched)
• https://www.aps.org/programs/innovation/fund/idea.cfm
• https://www.aps.org/programs/innovation/fund/idea-physics.cfm

Upcoming Events

• October: Joint Howard/NIST stories for #BlackinPhysics
• November: Co-sponsor of the National Black in Physics Conference
• January 8-10: Conference for Undergraduate Underrepresented Minorities in Physics (CU2MIP) regional virtual meeting

NIST Staff:

• Angela Hight Walker
• Amber McCreary
• Albert F. Rigosi
• Amit Agrawal

Howard University Members:

• Thomas Searles
• Kim Lewis
• Sugata Chowdhry
• Samaresh Gunhhait

Contacts:

●    Angela R. Hight Walker, angela.hightwalker [at] nist.gov (angela[dot]hightwalker[at]nist[dot]gov), 301-975-2155
●    Amber McCreary, amber.mccreary [at] nist.gov (amber[dot]mccreary[at]nist[dot]gov), 301-975-8599
●    Albert F. Rigosi, afr [at] nist.gov (afr[at]nist[dot]gov), 301-975-6572
●    Amit Agrawal, amit.agrawal [at] nist.gov (amit[dot]agrawal[at]nist[dot]gov), 301-975-4633