Learning - NYAS

Promoting inclusive STEM classrooms, labs, and workspaces is just one part of The New York Academy of Sciences’ broader mission of advancing science for the public good.

Published October 25, 2024

By Zamara Choudhary

Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of a diverse workforce, especially the inclusion of people from underrepresented groups in the STEM fields. A diverse workforce brings multiple perspectives and ways of thinking. The result catalyzes innovation, promotes creativity, and allows more communities to have access to scientific information, resulting in a better educated global citizenry.

However, after more than two decades of investment in STEM education, there is still a pronounced lack of diversity. According to a 2021 report from the National Science Foundation, just 28% of the STEM workforce identified as either Hispanic, Black, or American Indian or Alaska Native. In addition, less than 3% identified as having a disability.

Most of the jobs filled by these groups are technical and do not require a bachelor’s degree. As a result, they are often lower paid and have limited impact on STEM policy and research. In fact, Pew Research reports that although Black and Hispanic students enroll in STEM degree programs at the same rate as other students, they are less likely to graduate, in part, because of their reduced access to academic resources during and prior to college.

A Culture of Inclusion in STEM

The Academy is committed to fostering diversity in science. Cultivating a sense of belonging, which is designed to ensure everyone feels respected, valued, and supported empowers historically marginalized individuals to contribute fresh ideas and perspectives. The Academy’s series, “Inclusion in STEM,” was ideated in partnership with 2030 STEM, which advocates for full representation of Black, Latino/a/X, Indigenous and people of color across STEM disciplines, sectors, and leadership.

Taking place online this fall, the series spotlights topics that are instrumental to actively cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM. Upcoming sessions feature a panel of engaging speakers, who share their expertise on specific topics, including inclusive science communication, mentorship, and leadership.

No matter your career status, whether a student, fellow, or working professional, learning about and implementing inclusive practices can enrich your work and perspective. Through this series, the Academy is continuing its commitment to diversity in STEM.

Learn more about upcoming events in the 2024 Inclusion in STEM series:

Inclusive Science Communication

Wednesday, October 30 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Featuring:

Elizabeth Bojsza, MFA, Alda-Certified Facilitator and Assistant Professor of Practice, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University
Lydia Jennings, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dartmouth University
Amy Sharma, PhD, Executive Director, Science for Georgia

Promoting Inclusive Pathways through Mentorship

Tuesday, November 5 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Featuring:

Magdia De Jesus, PhD, Director, Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead, Chief Medical Office, Pfizer
Marcus Lambert, PhD, Associate Vice President for Research, SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Inclusive Leadership in STEM

Wednesday, November 20 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Featuring:

Lorelle L. Espinosa, PhD, Program Director, Higher Education, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Mandë Holford, PhD, Associate Professor, CUNY Graduate Center and CUNY Hunter College

Finding Solidarity and Support in Affinity Groups

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Featuring:

Eileen Gonzales, PhD, Assistant Professor, San Francisco State University
Marge Musumeci, MA, Manager, Talent Acquisition, Research and Development, Pfizer
Kishana Taylor, PhD, Assistant Professor, Towson University

Registration for these events is free for Academy members. Not a member? Sign up today.

Inclusive Leadership in STEM

November 20, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 4: Inclusive Leadership in STEM

Leaders in STEM have the opportunity and duty to foster environments where diverse voices are heard, valued, and included in decision-making processes, innovation, and research. They recognize the value of different perspectives and experiences in driving innovation and problem-solving.

The lack of diversity in STEM is amplified for positions of power. Groups that are the most underrepresented and marginalized in STEM (Black, Latino/a/X, Indigenous and people of color) are the least represented in leadership positions. In this session, we will learn about why leadership in STEM can be less diverse and how we can work together to ameliorate this issue. We will also explore strategies for being an inclusive leader that can be implemented at multiple stages of a person’s career.

About the Series

The Inclusion in STEM series delves into a few of the many topics that are essential for actively cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM, including defining inclusion, promoting inclusive pipelines through mentorship, finding solidarity and power through joining affinity groups, being an inclusive leader, and communicating research in a way that centers inclusion, equity, and intersectionality. Learn more about the series and explore the full lineup of events.

Speakers

Lorelle L. Espinosa, PhD, is program director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, where she develops and implements evidence-based strategies for grantmaking to advance DEI in STEM higher education. Her portfolio includes the University Centers of Exemplary Mentoring, Sloan Centers for Systemic Change, Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership, and Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education. Previously, she was Vice President for Research at the American Council on Education and committee co-chair of NASEM. She contributes to the national conversation on issues pertaining to college access and success for underrepresented students and on the need for equity-minded leadership in postsecondary settings. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and was cited before the US Supreme Court.

A Pell Grant recipient and first-generation college graduate, Espinosa earned her PhD in higher education and organizational change from the University of California, Los Angeles; a BA from the University of California, Davis; and an AA from Santa Barbara City College.

Mandë Holford, PhD, examines venoms and venomous animals as agents of change and innovation in evolution and in manipulating cellular physiology in pain and cancer. Her work combines scientific research, education, and diplomacy by leveraging our planet’s marine biodiversity for the benefit of human and planetary health. Her honors include the inaugural endowed Anne Welsh McNulty Chair in Science Innovation and Leadership, an NIH Pioneer Award, an Allen Institute Distinguished Investigator Award, an NSF CAREER award, a WINGS Women of Discovery Fellowship, a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, being selected as a World Economic Forum Champion Young Scientist and Sustainability Pioneer, a fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, and a member of the NASEM Roundtable on Science Diplomacy, and the Council of Foreign Relations. She is cofounder of Killer Snails, LLC, an award winning EdTech company that uses tabletop, digital, and XR games as a conduit to advance scientific learning in K-12 classrooms. Her PhD is from The Rockefeller University.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Promoting Inclusive Pathways Through Mentorship

November 5, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 3: Promoting Inclusive Pathways through Mentorship

Mentorship is a collaborative learning relationship that benefits all participants, no matter their background or mentor/mentee status. Effective mentorship is a significant factor contributing to a high rate of degree attainment, increased social and self awareness, sharper communication skills, career satisfaction, and other benefits that last for many years.

In this session, learn about how mentorship promotes inclusive career pathways and become inspired and empowered to improve or pursue your own mentoring relationship(s).

About the Series

Speakers

Magdia De Jesus, PhD, is Director, Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead at Pfizer’s Chief Medical Office. Previously, she was a professor in Microbiology and Immunology, conducting research at the New York State Department of Health. Her work focused on developing fungal derived vaccine delivery vehicles and studying medically important fungi. In 2019, she joined Pfizer’s Vaccine Research and Development team to pursue her passion for vaccines and infectious diseases. In 2021, she transitioned to the Chief Medical Office, contributing to the scientific portfolio across Pfizer. Dr. De Jesus recognizes the importance of mentors in her career and credits her success to pipeline mentorship. She developed the “A Scientist Looks Just Like You” program to inspire youth to pursue science regardless of background and volunteers with the Rise High STEM program for underserved students in Schenectady, New York. At Pfizer, she led and participates in various STEM initiatives, including Growing STEM Futures and The Pfizer School of Science, to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Marcus Lambert, PhD, is the Associate Vice President for Research at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. He oversees efforts to expand the university’s extramural research portfolio in health equity and clinical research and co-leads programs focused on recruiting and training underrepresented scientists in health disparities research. He is one of the Principal Investigators of the TRANSlational Program Of health disparities Research Training (TRANSPORT) and the Clinical Research Scholars Training Program (CREST).

Dr. Lambert is one of New York’s Life Sciences Power 50 and one of Cell Press’ 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America. He is a member of HHMI’s Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture Advisory Board and the NIH Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD) Study Section. He has a PhD in biomedical science from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, an MS in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research from Weill Cornell, and a BS from Howard University.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Inclusive Science Communication

October 30, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 2: Inclusive Science Communication

Cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM necessitates that scientific information is accessible and understandable to diverse audiences, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. By practicing inclusive science communication, we can make scientific knowledge more accessible, relevant, and engaging for everyone, fostering a more informed and scientifically literate society.

In this session, participants will learn about some best practices for effective and inclusive science communication that is accessible, culturally competent, and builds trust in STEM fields and practitioners.

About the Series

Speakers

Elizabeth Bojsza is passionate about community engagement, empowering voices, and asking good questions. She has been a faculty member at Stony Brook University for over two decades, where she has taught 25+ distinct courses for graduate and undergraduate students. She is currently a facilitator and curriculum designer for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and finds it incredibly rewarding to apply the skills of analysis and feedback that she honed as a theater artist to designing curricula and facilitating experiential learning for scientists and healthcare professionals. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in theater and trained instructors and teachers in various contexts including non-profit theater and higher education. She is the program director for the Academy of Civic Life, a pre-college program for local high school students to earn college credit learning about democracy and civic engagement. Ms. Bojsza served Suffolk County, NY as a human rights commissioner, and is currently the Vice Chair of the Board for Stony Brook Child Care.

Lydia Jennings, PhD, (she/her) is an environmental soil scientist. Lydia, citizen of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (Yoeme) and Huichol (Wixáritari), earned her BS from California State University, Monterey Bay and completed her PhD at the University of Arizona in the Department of Environmental Sciences, with a minor in American Indian Policy. Her research intersects soil health, environmental data stewardship and science communication. Lydia is a 2014 University of Arizona NIEHS Superfund Program trainee, a 2015 recipient of National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program, a 2019 American Geophysical Union “Voices for Science” Fellow, a 2020 Native Nations Institute Indigenous Data Sovereignty Fellow, and a 2021 Data Science Fellow. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about connecting her scholarship to outdoor spaces through running and increasing representation in outdoor recreation, and was internationally recognized as an “Environmental Sports Champion” by the Lewis Pugh Foundation and as a “Trail Runner Changing the World” by REI.

Amy Sharma, PhD, is the Executive Director of Science for Georgia, a non-profit that bridges the gap between scientists and the public through training, outreach, and advocating for the responsible use of science in public policy. Her career has spanned across industry, academia, and government: working in product management and R&D for big data start-ups and labs, teaching Medical Physics at the University of Western Australia, and managing programs at the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Sharma’s PhD is in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, and she was a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow. She enjoys difficult challenges, jobs with overly long titles, communicating science to non-scientists, performing science stand-up comedy, sewing, and smoking various foods.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Chat with Experts featuring Xuemei Cai, MD

A colorful illustration of an abstract scientific concept.

March 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Are you interested in building a career in STEM? Join The New York Academy of Sciences for an exciting monthly online event series designed to explore the vast opportunities within STEM fields. This series offers unique access to experts across industries.

Each session features guest speakers from distinguished organizations, including Noven Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and more. Gain invaluable insights into their career journeys, the roles they hold today, and the innovative work they do.

Engage in live Q&A sessions to ask questions that will help shape your own career path. Whether actively pursuing a STEM career or simply exploring possibilities, this event series provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

This series is open to all, regardless of age or background, and is the perfect opportunity to network and learn. Don’t miss your chance to connect with leading STEM professionals and take the next step in your career journey!

This is the sixth session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Xuemei Cai, MD, Senior Medical Director, Head of Clinical Research for Biomeasures, Endpoints and Study Technologies (BEST), Research and Development, Pfizer. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Xuemei Cai, MD

Xuemei Cai oversees a group within the Pfizer Research and Development team focused on clinical innovation and developing and qualifying digital endpoints in patient-centric clinical trials. She joined Pfizer in 2015 in the Quantitative Medicine group within the Neurosciences Research Unit developing and deploying novel technologies and helped found and runs a clinical research unit called the Pfizer Innovation Research Laboratory. She is an original member and co-founder of the global non-profit Digital Medicine Society dedicated to the advancement of digital innovation for equitable healthcare.

Before joining Pfizer, Xuemei obtained her MD from Harvard Medical School and completed neurology residencies and fellowships at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the United Council for Neurological Subspecialties. She continues to treat patients and teach medical students, residents, and fellows at Tufts Medical Center.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Chat with Experts featuring Rachel Lackner, PhD

February 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This is the fifth session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Rachel Lackner, PhD, Research Associate at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Rachel Lackner, PhD

Rachel Lackner is a Research Associate in the Department of Scientific Research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was previously an Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellow, where her research focused on the identification of organic dyes and pigments and the development of advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Prior to working at The Met, Rachel received her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Chat with Experts featuring Maggie Johnson, PhD

January 9, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This is the fourth session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Maggie Johnson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Red Sea Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Maggie Johnson, PhD

Maggie Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Marine Science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). After completing postdoctoral fellowships with the Smithsonian Institution and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, she took a position in the Red Sea Research Center where she began building the Global Change Ecology Lab at KAUST. Professor Johnson studies coral reefs across the globe, from the central tropical Pacific to Caribbean Panama, and seeks to understand what role humans are playing in the rapid degradation of these valuable ecosystems. In addition to her research interests, Professor Johnson is strongly committed to supporting women and underrepresented groups in the sciences and actively works on recruiting and supporting a diverse research group.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Chat with Experts featuring Shihadah Saleem, MS

December 5, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This is the third session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Shihadah Saleem, MS, Director of Youth Programs and Pathways at the New York Hall of Science. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Shihadah Saleem, MS

Shihadah Saleem is the Director of Youth Programs and Pathways at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, NY. She works to provide NYC high school and college students with STEM-focused workforce and youth development opportunities through NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder, Explainer program and free teen events. Shihadah is a committed board member of the National Girls Collaborative Project and co-chair of the STEM PUSH Network’s Steering Committee.

For over 15 years, Shihadah has provided rich STEM and youth development programs and opportunities for students, professionals, and the community. Shihadah continues to be a fervent collaborator, networker and convener, always willing and ready to help make connections, show support, and push for sustainable and actionable changes in STEM education, industry, and non-profit sectors.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Chat with Experts featuring Mahwish Khan, PharmD, RPh

November 21, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This is the second session in the Chat with Experts series, and it will feature Mahwish Khan, PharmD, RPh, Associate Director of Medical Affairs and Medical Information at Noven Pharmaceuticals. Explore the full lineup of events in the series.

Speaker

Mahwish Khan, PharmD, RPh

Dr. Mahwish Khan is the Associate Director of Medical Affairs and Medical Information at Noven Pharmaceuticals. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) in 2019 from Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy – Long Island University. Throughout her training, she spent 6+ years in direct patient care working at various care settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities and pharmacies throughout NYC. Following graduation, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where she has 5+ years of experience across US/Global Medical Affairs projects. Dr. Khan has experience leading medical readiness activities for new product launches and developing life cycle management strategies across psychiatry and neurology. She has a passion for bringing science to life by developing meaningful relationships with key healthcare experts and educating patients through holistic approaches.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

Defining Inclusion in STEM

October 23, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Session 1: Defining Inclusion in STEM

Inclusion, in its broadest sense, refers to the practice of ensuring that all individuals are respected, valued, and supported within a community or society, regardless of their differences. Each individual should feel confident and comfortable being their authentic selves without fear of judgment or retaliation.

But what does inclusion look like in the context of STEM fields? What are some barriers to inclusion in STEM? And what unique potential does fostering a culture of inclusion have on promoting social justice and driving innovative solutions to our society’s problems? Explore the answers to these questions and learn more at the first session of our ‘Inclusion in STEM’ series, featuring Alfred M. Mays, Chief Diversity Officer and Strategist and Senior Program Officer for Diversity and Education at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

About the Series

Speaker

Alfred M. Mays currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Strategist for Science Education and Diversity at Burroughs Wellcome Fund where he directs a portfolio of competitive and strategic grant programs. Prior to Alfred assuming this role, he served as an independent consultant with a service delivery that included strategic planning, project incubation, design, and implementation. Alfred has served as an enabler within several education initiatives to include the Collaborative Project, a 21st Century Program that was supported by the North Carolina General Assembly, staff advisor to North Carolina’s eLearning Commission, Director of Special Projects at the University of North Carolina – Office of the President, and regional director for the North Carolina Model Teacher Education Consortium. Alfred enjoys facilitating youth leadership and empowerment activities and serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations. He has been recognized for his contributions with many organizational successes to include Government Wide Best Practices.

Sponsor

Thought Partner

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $10.00

By attending this session, you will receive an exclusive 50% discount for upcoming events in the series.

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