Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recognizes that increasing representation and advancing inclusion is critical to our core mission of exploration and discovery in a diverse and connected world. It is not enough to state that we believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We need to take action to create a culture in which the voices of all people are fully heard and fully included, because it is the right thing to do. We recognize that there are many barriers facing people from traditionally marginalized groups and are committed to identifying and removing those barriers for richer academic discussion and a healthier research community.
Core Values
- We value and commit to creating an intentionally welcoming, and inclusive community that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
- We are committed to identifying and removing barriers to access and success at WHOI and within the larger science, technical, and engineering community
- We will be flexible in our approaches, embracing our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
- We will systematize accountability and transparency of these efforts
WHOIs Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion founded in 2019
The Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reports directly to the CDEIO and is a consultation and implementation arm of WHOI's DEI office. This group includes working groups focused on the following areas: Academic Recruitment (undergrad, middle and high school, and graduate recruitment), Events, Incubator (short-term, immediate-need projects), and Messaging.
Focus Areas for 2023
Recruitment
Improve recruitment, hiring, and admission processes to increase diversity at the institution.
Training
Provide education and development opportunities to employees on DEI-related topics to increase understanding, awareness, and cultural competence.
Programming and Partnerships
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through initiatives and partnerships with external organizations and communities.
Data
Track and analyze diversity metrics to measure progress, identify gaps, and inform decision-making.
Land Acknowledgement
We collectively acknowledge that Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is located on the unceded ancestral and contemporary land of the Wôpanâak (Wampanoag) peoples. We acknowledge the Mashpee, Aquinnah, Herring Pond, and Assonet Wampanoag Tribes as the original stewards and protectors of this land and surrounding waters. We recognize the perpetuated detrimental effects that systemic governmental oppressions have had on indigenous communities as a result of colonization. By offering this land acknowledgement we accept our responsibility to understand this history, invest in reconciliation, and build accountable partnerships with these communities.
This land acknowledgement was created with input from elders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. While it is not compulsory, please feel free to use this text in the classroom, on your syllabus or when introducing events or research presentations on the WHOI campus, and invite your audience to learn more about the Wampanoag Nations today. More information can be found at the links on the right.
Resources
Recent Highlights
Gwyneth Packard, Senior Engineer, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering
Erica Herrera, Graduate Student, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry
Dan Lowenstein, Graduate Student, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry
