Fidan Ana Kurtulus, professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and founding co-director of the University of Massachusetts Center for Employment Equity, was invited to speak on a panel of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Committee on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEM Organizations on April 21, 2022. Professor Kurtulus, who is an expert in US legal and regulatory structures on antidiscrimination and gender and race employment diversity, spoke about research evidence on the efficacy of government and firm policies that promote racial equity at workplaces. The project was spurred by efforts of the Chairwoman of the House Science Committee, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), and the Committee has been tasked by the National Academies to address bias and racism in STEM workplaces and offer approaches to increase racial and ethnic diversity at STEM workplaces.
The Department of Economics recently lost a deeply appreciated and loved member of our community. Prof. Lisa Saunders passed away unexpectedly this May. Lisa set an outstanding example on how to use research and teaching to make economics a better and more inclusive discipline and to make the world more just. She was devoted to students, inspiring some to become economists and encouraged all students to think more critically about economics and the economy.