Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Woods Hole
At the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC), we are committed to improving diverse representation and equity in science for the long haul. Here are some of the programs and initiatives WHCMSC takes part of within our community.
At the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC), we are committed to improving diverse representation and equity in science for the long haul. We invest time and resources to identify and address blind spots and build an inclusive culture, and we assess and correct our course as needed. Addressing systemic racism, microaggressions, and attitudes of apathy, skepticism, and resignation within the science community towards such efforts is crucial to the future vitality and viability of the USGS as an earth science agency serving the Nation.
The Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee
The WHCMSC has long promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in its many forms. In 2004, the six Woods Hole science institutions formed the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative and committed to attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. The Woods Hole Diversity Initiative in turn established the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee, made up of representatives from each organization, to recommend how the institutions can make the village of Woods Hole more diverse and inclusive. The committee plans events for Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month, and Juneteenth; hosts community discussions; supports events of the lesbian, gay, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/ally, plus more (LGBTQIA+) community; and more.
Learn more about the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee Here
The Partner Education Program
In 2009, the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative started the Partner Education Program (PEP)- a 10-week residential program primarily for college juniors and seniors from groups underrepresented in the marine and coastal sciences who want to gain practical, scientific experience.
Learn more about PEP here
Peer Support Workers Program
In 2020, several WHCMSC staff members volunteered to represent the USGS Peer Support Worker Program. This program was created to promote awareness and provide outreach and education on topics and policies related to anti-harassment, discrimination, biases, and scientific integrity.
More information about the Peer Support Workers Program
Unlearning Racism in Geosciences
In 2021, the “Woods Hole Pod” and five other pods across the USGS joined over 300 pods globally for Unlearning Racism in Geosciences (URGE), a community- wide, journal-reading, and policy-design curriculum to help geoscientists unlearn racism and improve belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in geoscience. URGE brought over 3,500 participants together, providing peeer- reviewed articles and live author interviews, to build awareness of systemic inequalities in their workplaces and develop antiracist systems in their institutions.
Learn more about URGE
USGS Partnerships for Students
The WHCMSC started a partnership with the City College of New York and the University of Puerto Rico to place student interns at USGS centers across the country. The WHCMSC also mentors current students and early career scientists through various programs within the greater USGS and surrounding scientific community.