ECo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement
The Department of Environmental Conservation (ECo) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recognizes the existence of systemic barriers that decrease diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. ECo acknowledges those systems exist and works diligently to identify and dismantle them to broaden accessibility and involvement in
STEM fields. ECo strongly supports and is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. ECo embraces the diversity within our department and supports the community by welcoming all members regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economic status, political views, physical abilities, and age. The ECo community recognizes that an equitable, inclusive, and diverse department prepares students and scholars for the future, brings diverse perspectives, improves the learning environment, harbors diverse skill sets needed to address complex problems, and fosters a sense of community. Finally, a diverse and inclusive department improves our scholarly environment by empowering members, providing a safe environment to share new ideas, and allowing members of the ECo community to grow not just as scientists but also as global citizens.
ECo’s JEDIA Committee
ECo has a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (JEDIA) committee comprised of faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students that meets regularly to support departmental efforts to ensure ECo is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all members of our community. We are made up of a leadership team that meets for the academic year and specific task force groups that work on specific tasks for as long as needed.
ECo’s JEDIA Leadership Team (2024-2025)
Chair: Jeremy Anderson, jcandersen@umass.edu
ECo JEDIA Research Assistant: Ayodele O'uhuru
Faculty Reps: Lena Fletcher, Meg Graham MacLean
Staff Rep: Daniel Warner
Postdoctoral Rep: Open
Graduate Student Reps: Aliza Fassler, Aly Putnam
Undergraduate Student Reps: Open
Members do join when they can who aren’t on this regular list. Please join when you can!
Current Task Force topics:
- Organizing a diverse speakers list
- Improving the accessibility of ECo
- Conducting listening sessions
- Forming a mentoring program across many levels
- Organizing community events
Please contact us if you are interested in getting involved!
How to Contact Us:
Email ECo’s JEDIA committee: diverseEco@umass.edu
Join our ECo JEDIA list-serv by emailing us or joining the group in Google Groups
Provide anonymous feedback by filling out this form
Tell us about JEDIA efforts connected with ECo here
Tell us about any accessibility barriers you have found in our ECo buildings here
Resources for the Community
Resource spreadsheet for grants and other opportunities (compiled by the IDGP DEI Academic Equity committee)
Toolbox for Inclusive Teaching(compiled by UMass Psychological and Brain Sciences)
Reference Document for Holidays
Videos on “How to get into grad school” from *ALL* welcome in Science!
The ECo emergency relief fund provides small scholarships for graduate students with urgent financial need (up to $1000). Any graduate student affiliated with the Eco department is eligible, regardless of their graduate program.