Inclusion
The questions we are facing in ecology right now are too big, and too important, to be left to one group of people or one kind of knowledge. We welcome everyone in the FAB TADS, here are some ways we are making these opportunities inclusive and accessible.
1
Passion based recruitment
Grades can be influenced by life events, home circumstance, mental and physical health, etc. Entry level experience in ecology often requires paying an organization a lot of money, forfeiting money for long volunteer trips away, and being able to travel. Due to family obligations, socioeconomic circumstance, lack of supports, etc., many budding ecologists struggle to get a foot in the door. Here, we care about what is in your heart and your head, not what is on your transcript. We recruit based on passion and dedication, show us what you can do, we can't wait to see it.
2
Flexible oppertunties
We offer a variety of projects, so students get an array of skills and opportunities. We split up projects so that students don't have to be out every night, leaving room for jobs and family obligations. We have projects that require field work with a little travel, local projects, lab projects, and computer based projects that can be done on the students' own time. Having all these project options allows us to welcome students from diverse backgrounds and a variety of circumstances. You're welcome here.
3
Belonging
Despite what is typically shown in the media, there is a massive diversity of science and scientists. There is not only on path, one upbringing, or one personal history in science. We welcome diverse guest speakers during our meetings who discuss their own paths in science. We welcome input from all knowledges (scientific, traditional ecological knowledge, local knowledge), not only the scientific literature, in our work. We also ensure the safety of all our Tadpole Troopers with trainings and identifying logos while in the field to show you are part of our group.
We're always learning, reach out with questions or concerns.
I want you to feel safe and welcome. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are core principles in this lab. I recognize that, especially for women and BIPOC volunteers, there can be specific safety concerns while in the lab and field. I follow the best practices as laid out in "Safe fieldwork strategies for at-risk individuals, their supervisors and institutions " (Demery and Pipkin, 2021). I also have training in best practices working with Black youth and indigenous communities, have sat on local and international EDI committees, and have founded and run multiple EDI initiatives, including STEMM Diversity @ McGill. All these trainings, discussions, and experiences have shaped the way I run this lab.
That said, I am always learning. If you have a specific concern or suggestion, please let me know. I may not be able to accommodate every request, but I will hear you, and I will try.
I welcome you here.
Dr. Jess