Intentionality, effort, data and time are key ingredients for change: Fostering inclusive research opportunities in seismology and geophysics

Abstract:

The IRIS Undergraduate Internship Program has facilitated summer research opportunities for 245 students since 1998. Between 1998 and 2008 average participation rates for underrepresented minorities was just 6.7%, and for females of all races and ethnicities 42.4%. Through the combination of intentionality, effort, program evaluation and time, average participation rates have increased for both populations to 21.4% and 54.4% respectively (2009 – 2020).

Change began with intentional commitments in 2006 when the program’s success metrics for diversity were first defined. Impact was seen after the success metrics were refined in 2008 and a new program goal was adopted: “To provide undergraduates with research opportunities early in their educational careers and encourage more students representing a more diverse population to choose careers in earth science and seismology”.

Change was enabled through research informed adjustments to the program’s “normal” operations. This included targeted recruitment efforts and partnerships, modifying the application to accommodate diverse populations (e.g. non-binary gender responses) and diverse perspectives for success (e.g. replacing award and recognition questions with open-response items to gain insight into each applicant’s definitions of success). Developing a risk-based portfolio approach to selection and educating faculty on the selection panel about diversity issues and bias were also important. Once diverse students, including those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students and non-traditional students were accepted, additional effort to ensure inclusivity and safety were critical. For example, IRIS, in collaboration with others, has led the development of anti-harassment/discrimination training curriculum for geoscience REU students.

Finally, change was monitored and adjusted through the collection and analysis of data. This enabled the program to ensure the program’s efforts had impact. Key data sets included data on applications, interns’ and mentors’ perceptions, and longitudinal tracking of participants. As illustrated, the process requires patience along with intentionality, effort, and data. Even annual small steps, aligned in the same direction, lead to the sort of change IRIS, and the geoscience community more broadly, seeks.