Outreach
![Women in Ant Women in Ant](https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mdiaz/wp-content/uploads/sites/246/2020/12/Women-in-Ant.jpg)
Diversifying Geosciences
It is well known that the geosciences have the least ethnic, racial, and gender diversity of the physical sciences. Further, there has been little change in diversity over the last forty years (Bernard and Cooperdock, 2018). I have led and participated in various outreach events, workshops, and committees to create a welcoming and equitable space for all students and researchers.
Read more
- I served on the Ohio State School of Earth Sciences Diversity Committee from 2017-2020. Our major accomplishments included creating recruitment materials for undergraduate and graduate students, creating a Code of Conduct, creating an Anti-racism Statement, and developing a DEI Strategic Plan.
- I served on the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Executive Committee from 2019-2020. Our major accomplishments included establishing administrative transparency throughout the center and developing infrastructure to recruit and retain diverse students and researchers.
- I served on the planning committee for a symposium celebrating the “50th Anniversary of the First All-Women Research Team in Antarctica." The symposium, held on October 17th and 18th 2019 with 140+ attendees, honored women’s past, present, and future in science, research, discovery, and leadership. The event received a city resolution (see image to left).
Additional outreach and service events are listed in my CV.
Reference: Bernard, R.E., Cooperdock, E.H.G. No progress on diversity in 40 years. Nature Geosci 11, 292–295 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0116-6
![Science Comm Science Comm](https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mdiaz/wp-content/uploads/sites/246/2020/12/Science-Comm.jpg)
Science Communication
The broader significance of scientific research can be difficult to ascertain, but all research has important societal relevance. The key is developing effective science communication strategies.
Read more
Science communication can include any medium, such as blog posts, photographs, art, videos, interviews, etc. I focus primarily on photographs and videos, though I have experience in multiple mediums.
- Art example: Coloring Page
- Live general audience example: PBS NOVA Education Polar Extremes
- Pre-recorded general audience example:
Additional activities are listed in my CV.
![Comm engage Comm engage](https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mdiaz/wp-content/uploads/sites/246/2020/12/Comm-engage.jpg)
Community Engagement
Whether we conduct field work in remote regions or in urbanized settings, community engagement is a crucial aspect of research.
Read more
Similar to scientific communication, community engagement can assume many forms. These include public speaking events, science fairs, panels, demonstrations, etc.
- Metal Redlining Network: engaging local residents during soil collection
- Film panel example: Byrd 1933
- Summer camp example: Ohio Camp Oty'Okwa soil organism activity
- WestFest: West Campus Science & Sustainability Festival: Booth volunteer (see image to left)
- Upcoming: Mashpee Middle High School Science Fair judge
Additional activities are listed in my CV.
![SACNAS 2018 SACNAS 2018](https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mdiaz/wp-content/uploads/sites/246/2020/12/SACNAS-2018.jpg)
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Diversity, equity, inclusion-based societies create safe spaces to advance research and exploration. SACNAS is dedicated to fostering the success of diverse scientists, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. The organization hosts the world's largest annual diversity in STEM conference and supports 118 student and professional chapters.
Read more
I have been a SACNAS member since 2015. While a graduate student at The Ohio State University, I served as the university chapter president, vice president, and outreach coordinator. Below is a list of select activities, accomplishments, and awards:
- National Organization Chapter Award: Outstanding Professional Development for my presidential term (read here)
- Annual SACNAS OSU Keynote Speaker - past speakers include Dr. Knatokie Ford, Dr. Jesus Pando, Dr. Gretchen Diaz, Dr. Kim Tallbear, and Catalina Martinez
- Ciencias - an annual Latinx networking event across the OSU campus
- FacTalks - informal talks by faculty to chapter members to share their journeys through STEM
- Fun Fridays at Columbus Northside Metropolitan Library - monthly community outreach event for local students