Diversity, equity and inclusion: celebrating every student

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.

Our mission

The College of Science unites disciplines in the pure, applied, social, mathematical, and natural sciences around the central tenets of the scientific method and logic to provide students with outstanding educational and research experiences.  The College recognizes that diversity of thought, background, and experience enrich and expand the scientific enterprise; and affirms the inclusion of all populations to enhance overall success in academic programs and excellence in research productivity.

48%

48% of students in the College of Science self-identify as Students of Color.

61%

61% of the College's student population is female.

11%

The College has an 11% higher 6-year graduation rate for Students of Color than the University average.

*Data source: Decision Support, January 2022.

Spreading the word

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends into all areas of life at the College of Science, and beyond into the community. Here are just a few recent examples of that commitment, from bringing leaders in science to our community to speak on matters of diversity to honoring our faculty and staff for the work they've done to make our campus a welcoming space.

A hand holds a plastic bag with a frog in it up against the light of the sky. There is green foliage in the background.
STEM Sisters in Panamá

Two high school graduates had the research experience of a lifetime

A blank puzzle with a piece missing. There is a pink shape where the piece is missing.
Seeking fundamental truths in mathematics

Associate Professor Chris Rogers receives grant to study symmetry and support historically underrepresented research students

Campus accessibility research sheds light on how to create more accessible spaces

Student researcher Lea Gifford suggests ways in which the Wolf Pack can help make spaces across campus more accessible

Lauren Sankovitch surrounded by Marvel Universe books and objects on display
The power of science (fiction)

Graduate student Lauren Sankovitch brings a MARVELous background of experience to the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering

Isabel Peñaloza Araujo poses for the camera. She has dark hair, wears glasses and a blue Mackay polo, smiling.
Faces of the Pack: Isabel Peñaloza Araujo

As a first-generation Latina in mining, Isabel Peñaloza Araujo feels proud of her accomplishments, especially as an international student in the U.S. She is well on her way to accomplishing plenty more

A male and a female stand on an ice sheet, posing with a LGBTQ+ Pride flag.
Exploring ice and expanding access

Hydrogeology student Drake McCrimmon found space to be himself while doing science on the Greenland ice sheet.

A black and white portrait of Elizabeth Racao Durfee
The Elizabeth Racao Durfee Hallway

College of Science Interim Dean Katherine McCall named a hallway in the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center after her great aunt.

Aerial photo of the Gayepare research Station in the Amazon jungle on the banks of the Nushino River.
Indigenous Knowledge could inform sustainability efforts in the Amazon

From wind turbines to a pepper plant: a multi-disciplinary team of University and Indigenous Amazonian researchers work to untangle a complex web of interactions

A girl with dark hair, a white shirt and a floral print skirt walks along a beach near a pier.
The pieces of a puzzle

Alumna Lily Liu reflects on her time as an undergraduate in the College of Science and how she found a role as a peer mentor.

Autumn Harry hikes atop a mountain peak wearing a backpacking pack.
Reclaiming the land, remapping history

Through research and mapping, geography graduate student and member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Autumn Harry recognizes Indigenous place names to honor her Numu (Northern Paiute) homelands.

Group photo of DICE Center members
Proporcionando asistencia culturalmente sensible y basada en evidencia científica a la comunidad Latina

La Profesora Asociada Lorraine Benuto capacita a los estudiantes para brindar servicios psicológicos en español

Group photo of DICE Center members
Providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based care to the Latinx community

Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology Lorraine Benuto trains students to deliver psychological services in Spanish

Portrait of Lorraine Benuto
Lorraine Benuto missioned around providing culturally sensitive evidence based care to the Latinx community and other underserved populations

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology Lorraine Benuto receives this year's Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Leadership Award

Woman points at brain scans.
Nevada ENDURE seeks to improve diversity in neuroscience

New program aims to raise interest and opportunities in neuroscience research for individuals who are typically underrepresented in the field.

Video screenshot showing a cartoon illustration of a skeleton.
'Anyone can be a (mad) scientist' and other College of Science video competition winners announced

Students take home cash prizes for short videos depicting life as science students in annual competition.

Two students pose for a photo at a club fair to promote the new MAPS club on campus last spring.
Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) chapter launched at the University of Nevada, Reno

Students launch a new club aimed at increasing diversity in the field of medicine

Grid of three podcast participant headshots along with the Discover Science Podcast Series logo.
Exploring the relationship between space, race and STEM attainment on the Discover Science podcast

Dr. William F. Tate IV speaks with the College of Science about his research revealing the uneven contours of the education pipeline.

William Tate
Relationship of place, race and STEM education topic of William Tate Discover Science lecture

Free public Discover Science Lecture Series Thursday at Redfield Auditorium

Felicity Muth with bee
Bees, bugs and breaking down stereotypes

Anne Leonard and Felicity Muth sit down to talk about their research, what's coming next and overcoming stereotypes

Blane Harding
Blane Harding receives Leading Light Award from national academic advising association

College of Science Director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention honored at annual national conference

Discover Science Lecture speaker Jaime Casap
Jaime Casap launches 2018-2019 Discover Science Lecture Series Aug. 22

Casap is the Education Evangelist at Google and speaks to education influencers about the role of web and tech-based learning

S. James Gates Jr.
S. James Gates Jr. to speak at the College of Science March 8

World-renowned theoretical physicist S. James Gates Jr. is known for his research on supersymmetry as well as his advocacy for diversity in education.

The Davidson Math and Science Center at the University of Nevada, Reno
How “The Diversity Bonus” improves Science, Finance, Sports

Scott E. Page comes to the University of Nevada, Reno Thursday, Oct. 12.

Davidson Math and Science Center at University of Nevada, Reno
College of Science talks Diversity, Space, Superstrings, HIV

Discover Science Lecture Series begins its seventh year at Nevada

A shared humanity

Four leaders in the College of Science share their perspectives on success, leadership and identity

Read their stories

Physics is for everyone

Check out College of Science student Katie's video submission to the 2019 video competition. Her video was chosen as an honorable mention and staff favorite and highlights her experience as a Native American, queer, first-generation student studying physics.

Watch the other winning videos

Learn more about the University's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion represents the University's commitment to realize and sustain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all University community members, including students, faculty, faculty colleagues and alumni. The Office works closely with academic and administrative units to attract, advance and retain a diverse faculty to strengthen academic excellence. Learn about campus resources, diversity education and training, NSHE initiatives and more.

Office of Diversity & Inclusion