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College of Sciences
Department of Chemistry

DEI News 2022

The committee is committed to implementing evidence-based practices as they apply across all aspects of department life, including recruitment and retention, teaching practices, curriculum development, community building, and community outreach. 

DEI Colloquia

Sydney Hill wearing eyeglasses
Dr. Sydney Wilkerson-Hill
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
UNC-Chapel Hill

The DEI committee hosted Dr. Sydney Wilkerson-Hill, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, as a colloquium speaker, on October 21, 2022. Prof. Wilkerson-Hill is actively involved in diversity initiatives such as the Berkeley Science Network, California Alliance, and NOBCChE programs to address disparities facing minorities pursuing careers in the physical sciences. The talk was about “Making Bonds. Applying Chemistry Principles to DEI.”

Dr. Krishna Foster
Associate Professor of Chemistry
California State Institute

The DEI committee hosted Dr. Krishna Foster, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the California State Institute, as a colloquium speaker, on April 1, 2022.  Prof. Foster is determined to make careers in the STEM fields more accessible – especially to students of color. The talk was about “Inclusive Excellence in Chemistry”

Raychelle Burks wearing a pink shirt with a green nature background
Raychelle Burks
Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry
American University

The DEI committee hosted Dr. Raychelle Burks, Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the American University, as a colloquium speaker, on Friday, November 12, 2021. Dr. Burks is a popular science communicator, appearing on TV, in podcasts, at large genre cons such as DragonCon and GeekGirlCon, and writing a science-meets-true crime column called “Trace Analysis” for Chemistry World. She is a member of several local, national, and international committees, task forces, and projects focused on social justice and STEM. The talk was about “Chemistry and Community.”

Other Activities

  • Dr. Reza Ghiladi, Professor of Chemistry at NC State University, will present a talk entitled “COMPASS at NC State: Plans, experiences, and outcomes of career mentoring projects for graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry” at the upcoming ACS National Meeting in Indianapolis. The talk will be presented as part of the Division of Professional Relations’ session “COMPASS: Career and Occupational Mentoring for the Professional Advancement of Science Students.”
  • WISDom (Wellness, Inclusivity, Safety, and Diversity) Talks are an ongoing collaboration between the Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA) and the departmental DEI committee. Graduate students get the opportunity to hold 5-minute presentations before each colloquium on a subject related to Wellness, Inclusivity, Safety, and Diversity.
  • Mentoring Undergraduates Program (MentorUp) is a program that provides a mentorship network for incoming Undergraduate Students to assist them as they transition to life at NC State. During the Fall ’22 semester, we had 13 juniors/seniors and two graduate students sign up to be mentors. There were 13 freshmen/sophomores who requested to be matched with a mentor. The mentor/mentees were introduced by email and encouraged to meet in person and connect.
  • The DEI committee members have been meeting with each of the candidates from this year’s faculty searches. We thank those who have taken the time to provide their valuable feedback to the Search Committees.