From new discoveries in our solar system to insights about how predators and prey interact with humans, 2023 was another impressive year of research in the College of the Environment. Our students tackled new challenges, and we celebrated anniversaries, new honors, new leadership positions and more.
Read more »A Q&A with Corey Garza, UW Environment Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Corey Garza begins his tenure as the UW College of the Environment Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and as a Professor of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences effective September 1. We sat down with Garza to talk about the vision for his new role, his approach to advancing equity and inclusion, and what he ultimately hopes to achieve. What appeals to you most about coming to the College of the Environment to lead DEI efforts?
Read more »New direction for UW Botanic Gardens focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion
Botanical gardens historically are exclusive spaces, but the University of Washington is working to change that. Many gardens originated as private spaces for predominantly white and wealthy individuals, said UW Botanic Gardens director Christina Owen. The collections were often curated through a process of stealing and renaming before the gardens were gifted as land to cities and universities. “There’s a history of colonialism in many botanic gardens,” said Owen.
Read more at UW News »Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UW Atmospheric Sciences
The UW Department of Atmospheric Sciences strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where students, staff and faculty are supported and set up for success. Department Chair Cecilia Bitz has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, citing her personal work history as a motivator to create an equitable environment. “Diversity is so important to me personally because when I started my career, women were definitely a minority,” she said.
Read more »College of the Environment DEI Task Force Discussion
On April 8, 2022, the College of the Environment hosted a community discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion, grounded in the College’s recent DEI Taskforce Report. Dean Maya Tolstoy was joined by DEI Taskforce co-chairs LuAnne Thompson and Russell Callender, as well as UW Vice President of Minority Affairs & Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer Rickey Hall.
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