Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Physics Department at the University of Nevada, Reno is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment: one that values the contributions of all and enables every participant to achieve their goals. We recognize that in seeking excellence in research, academics, and service to our community, we must continually strive to train and champion a population of future scientists that reflects the diversity of the state of Nevada and the nation at large. Please feel free to contact the co-chairs of our JEDI committee, Kristin Lewis and Richard Plotkin.
For more information about resources related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, view the list of organizations and initiatives below.
Campus and department resources
The College of Science is committed to fostering a community and environment where all are welcome, valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we believe, goes hand in hand with scientific discovery and advancement—together we can change the world.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nevada, Reno is involved in a number of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion across campus, in the community and throughout the Nevada System of Higher Education. To help students, faculty and staff better understand the importance of diversity, the office develops workshops and trainings that are available to all members of the campus community.
See the links below for more information about diversity and inclusion resources offered by the University.
National organizations and resources
The African American Women in Physics organization serves as a resource that honors women in the field, as well as aims to inspire future physicists and connect allies interested in promoting diversity in physics and other STEM fields. It also strives to educate prospective physicists on possible academic pathways and career options available to them.
The APS National Mentoring Community (NMC) facilitates and supports mentoring relationships between African American, Hispanic American and Indigenous undergraduate physics students and local physics mentors. Membership in the NMC is free for both Mentors and Mentees.
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Outlist strives to actively maintain and promote a safe, accepting and supportive environment in all workplaces. As openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender/sexual minority (LGBTQIA+) members of the astronomical community, the organization strongly believes that there is no place for discrimination based on sexual orientation/preference or gender identity/expression.
The Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy was established in 1929, and serves in staggered three-year terms. The initiative is responsible for recommending practical measures that can be taken to improve the status of women in astronomy and encourage their entry into the field. These recommendations are presented to the AAS Board of Trustees.
The goal of APS Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) is to provide them with the opportunity to experience a professional conference, gather information about graduate school and professions in physics, and meet with women in physics of all ages with whom they can share experiences, advice, and ideas. The national and local organizing committees of the organization strive to create a welcoming environment for all, including undergraduate women and gender minorities.
As an organization that serves a large, global community of Earth and space scientists, AGU is committed to efforts promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their strategic plan aims to further the vision that “Diversity and Inclusion are recognized and celebrated as being essential for the success of AGU, its members, and the global Earth and Space Science enterprise."
The LGBT+ Physicists organization is committed to building a scientific environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination, and aims to ensure that those who are sexual and/or gender minorities are granted this right.
The National Society of Black Physicists is the largest and most recognizable organization devoted to the growth, development and advancement of the African-Americans in the physics community.
The National Society of Hispanic Physicists aims to promote the professional well-being and recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic physicists within the United States' scientific community, and within society at large. The society seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for Hispanics in physics, as well as increase the number of practicing Hispanic physicists through the encouragement of Hispanic students to pursue a career in physics.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community. It is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM, with over 100 student and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad.
The American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics Pride Committee was established in 2021 and envisions a scientific community that is open, welcoming, and supportive of all scientists within the gender and sexual orientation minority communities.