Focused Discussions (Asynchronous Session)
Teaching and Mentoring in Science to Foster Diversity in the Face of a Pandemic View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Windy Mc Nerney, Michelle Madore
Starting at a young age, women, and minoritized populations express interest in STEM and pursue a career in STEM upon enrollment in college. Unfortunately, very few individuals go on to a career as a scientist with their own laboratory. Since diverse viewpoints is critical to the advancement of scientific discovery, it is the upmost importance that the scientific community support underrepresented persons. Despite the progress to diversify STEM, students and trainees from underrepresented groups often encounter barriers at all stages of their career. Many graduate programs and clinical training sites were developed without considering their unique needs. Another important barrier for these groups is the lack of social support that they receive from their training sites. Social support focused on student’s well-being is often not implemented and this results in burn-out, the negative effects of imposter syndrome, and perpetuation of mental illness. The speakers will discuss the barriers that trainees from diverse backgrounds encounter in academic and clinical settings. The aim of the discussion is to increase awareness of the barriers that individuals from diverse backgrounds encounter and provide mentors and directors of graduate programs and clinical training with innovative approaches to retention. Attendees will be able to provide trainees with a more supportive environment in science while addressing the unique needs of underrepresented and marginalized persons. We continuously thrive to improve such an environment in the hopes of increasing the diversity in science.
Generational Diversity in 21st Century Workplace View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Regina Banks Hall
The purpose of this session is to highlight the impact of generational diversity of employees, and the importance of embracing to support organizational growth, corporate sustainability, and employee empowerment. The goal of the discussion is highlight how generational diversity can be used to strengthen employee retention, succession planning, mentorship and comparative advantage for organizations.
