"Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance. "
-Vernā Myers, American diversity consultant
As a university founded to be a place where "any person can find instruction..." we value diversity and inclusion and strive to be a welcoming, caring, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation.
From the University Core Values
| Diversity Statements from Physics Professional Organizations | ||
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| APS | AIP | AAPT |
CEDI
Cornell Physics Department’s Committee for Climate, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI) strives to foster a culture in which every member of the department feels respected, valued and supported. Inspired by the Cornell foundational principle “Any person, any study,” we lead efforts to broaden participation in the Physics community by members of historically excluded groups. The committee plays an active role in shaping the department’s policies, coordinates activities such as student recruitment and mentorship, and provides opportunities for members of the department to learn about issues related to diversity and inclusion in academic and research settings.
Current Membership: Mike Niemack (faculty, Co-Chair), Jenny Wurster (staff, Co-Chair), Abra Geiger (ugrad, SPS), Emma Linscomb (ugrad, SPS), Julian Turner (ugrad, SPS, CUSP), Liana Shpani (grad, PGS), Sahas Kamat (grad, PGS), Jose Monroy (postdoc), Bethany Dixon (staff), Itai Cohen (faculty), Matthias Liepe (faculty), Abigail Crites (faculty), Jim Baker (lecturer), Dan Ralph (ex-officio; Physics Dept. Chair), Paula Epps-Cepero (ex-officio; Dept. Manager).
Contact
Email: physics-cedi-l@list.cornell.edu
Share a suggestion with the Cornell Physics Department. (This link first requires you to authenticate your Cornell user status but submissions are anonymous.) Suggestions are being received by the Physics Department Manager.
Cornell Physics Community Initiatives
Here are some initiatives taking place in our physics community:
- The Society of Physics students is proud to have initiated a tri-weekly outreach program at Fall Creek Elementary (with more schools to come) called “Fun Physics with Fifth”. Involving about 20 undergraduate volunteers, this program brings interactive physics exhibits to local fifth grade classrooms in partnership with the Ithaca Physics Bus. It is their goal to spread curiosity and a love for the natural world through this program.
- Mentoring reimagined! SPS mentoring of potential majors. Grad-undergrad mentoring. New grad student mentoring.
- Thanks to the CUWiP local organizing committee and the many volunteers for a successful 2023 CUWiP conference. (See the sidebar story).
- Alumni profile project to highlight the breadth of career paths for physicists and the diversity of folks doing physics. Nominate a physics alumni to profile by filling out this survey.
Physics Equity Advocates
Physics Equity Advocates: People within the department who will:
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Listen to your diversity- and inclusion-related concerns or ideas.
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Help you brainstorm and investigate options and resources.
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Bring issues/concerns to the attention of the department without having your name attached.
Jenny Wurster Teaching Support Specialist (607)255-2371 202 Rockefeller Hall
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Michael Niemack Professor (607)255-0391 389 Physical Sciences Building
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Abigail Crites Assistant Professor (607)255-6376 393 Physical Sciences Building
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Bethany Dixon LASSP Assist. Dir. Research Inits. (607)255-2324 420 Physical Sciences Building
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Useful Links
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Cornell Physics Community |
Beyond Cornell |
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Outreach |
Resources |
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University Statements
Support
Support Asians+ in Physics open letter (here to cosign) and resources.
Apr
26
Friday
12:00 PM
Latina/o Studies Fridays with Faculty luncheon seminar
429 Rockefeller Hall
429
May
09
Thursday
12:00 PM
The Courage to Teach Now: End of Semester Teaching Conversation
ILR Conference Center
May
24
Friday
10:30 AM
FGSS and LGBT Studies Programs End of Year Celebration
401 Physical Sciences Building
401
Sep
20
Friday
12:00 PM
Latina/o Studies Fridays with Faculty luncheon seminar
Rockefeller Hall
429
Sep
27
Friday
12:00 PM
Latina/o Studies Fridays with Faculty luncheon seminar
Rockefeller Hall
429
Oct
04
Friday
12:00 PM
Latina/o Studies Fridays with Faculty luncheon seminar
Rockefeller Hall
429
Land Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement: Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' (the Cayuga Nation). The Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University, New York state, and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' dispossession, and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' people, past and present, to these lands and waters.
