INITIATIVES

ATHENS OUTREACH

This initiative works with students at different academic levels to: (1) amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, (2) promote awareness about issues around race in science, (3) facilitate accessible conversations about science at schools, (4) empower youth to talk about and engage in science​. We strive to create communication with students in Athens-Clarke county schools as well as local universities and colleges that are not predominately white institutions.

UGA CLIMATE SURVEY

This initiative seeks to identify barriers that black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPoC) face while pursuing a degree in the life sciences at UGA. This anonymous survey samples from all UGA undergraduate and graduate students within the life science majors and departments. The participants are asked to assess the prevalence of discrimination and practices of inclusion to assess the current climate at UGA. Resulting data are compiled into a report to highlight areas that require improvement but to also identify programs that are effective in helping BIPOC succeed. Although the survey will target undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, we hope to expand future iterations of this survey to include faculty and staff, as well as more fields within STEM.

MENTORING

The AARLS mentoring committee works with UGA-affiliated undergraduate PoC-supporting science programs such as Peach State LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation) to facilitate mentor-mentee relationships between graduate students and other scientists and UGA STEM-focused undergraduate students. We recognize that a common factor in the success of a student is having mentor(s) along the way to guide their path in education and into their careers. We hope to set up stable program alliances that students can depend on and look forward to in a meaningful way.