| Abstract Scope |
Striving for diversity and inclusion has been one of the core pillars of academia in the United States over the last decades. During this period, academic institutions and funding agencies have devised various policies and programs to foster the engagement of more women and minorities in Science and Engineering across all levels, from undergraduate to faculty. However, organizational mechanisms that support the success of this diverse community is often lacking and similar standards are used to evaluate all, with little regard for their diverse backgrounds and circumstances. This unbalanced approach leaves many on their own to navigate the struggles of their professional journey and consequently undermines the mental health of underrepresented groups in academia. Reflecting on personal experiences and findings of student-lead surveys, this talk brings to spotlight issues that should be addressed in order to create an academic community that is diverse, inclusive, and mentally healthy. |