6/26/2020 Debra Levey Larson
Written by Debra Levey Larson
Why is diversity valuable in academia and in STEM?
I see two main costs when we fail---in any way---to be diverse.
As a leadership institution, Illinois does world-leading research and trains future leaders to impact technology and society. Both are done best when we draw on the broadest possible pool of talent in aerospace engineering. Welcoming everyone means we can expand our knowledge base and especially our perspectives.
If anyone feels unwelcome, it is unlikely they will achieve their potential, which is a missed opportunity for the department, the university, and the society we serve. A diverse environment is one of the best ways to foster a sense of belonging that allows realization of personal potential.
Where do we need to improve?
Everywhere, always. Although I am proud of what we have accomplished from where we started, it should not have taken over 30 years to graduate our first woman Ph.D. in 1977. Although we have some diversity within our faculty, staff, and students, we have a long way to go. We are in the business of generating and developing ideas and educating the tomorrow’s leaders in engineering. Rich diversity brings more unique perspectives to the table. Those new ideas will result in a stronger, more successful department.
What is the Dept. of AE doing to increase diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations?
We can define ourselves both by what we are and what we are not. Awareness of strengths we lack is just as important as nurturing the strengths we have---maybe more so---and AE is actively recruiting students, staff, and faculty to seek more strength through diversity. This entails energetic recruitment of the best scholars to be AE faculty and creating an environment where students have a strong sense of belonging as they gain access to all that higher education has to offer.
What are some of the student groups doing in response to racism?
I am thrilled to see engagement of both our graduate and undergraduate student societies, especially in response to injustice on our campus and nation.
One example is that students in Illinois Space Society expressed their support for those in our society who are discriminated against.
I also want to thank recent graduates Natalie Pfister and Elena Kamis, and the entire women-in-AE informal network, for bringing many valid student concerns directly to my attention.
What is your personal experience?
Frankly, it is thin. My adopted daughters do not match my race, which does put race on my radar in ways I otherwise might miss, and I have been close to many from different cultures, communities, and orientations. Still, I mostly worry that I have too often failed to notice the implicit privileges that have buoyed me, and I am ever eager to better understand different perspectives and learn what can be done to help us improve the department.
The violence in our nation and its root causes have been more upsetting than the COVID-19 pandemic because I believe it is our responsibility to look out for each other as individuals and as a society. There is no virus to blame for this. It is sad that these injustices have been ubiquitous for over 400 years, yet it took cell phone videos of tragic events to seed the present outrage.
What are you doing to learn more?
There are many resources available around campus and beyond. Here are just a few:
The Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging is a great first stop for a variety of programs, workshops, and courses. For example, PSYC 496 Facilitating Intergroup Dialogue Processes explores the impact of how our differences can affect group dynamics.
Another great resource on campus is the Idea Institute which states that “Diversity is a prerequisite of excellence.” The website lists many free webinars and courses, as well as lists of additional resources to explore.
I look forward to hearing more perspectives and ideas, particularly from the voices in our world that have been silenced for far too long. If you have any concerns, questions, or comments, please feel free to contact me.