Presenter: Dr. Nicole Motzer, Assistant Director for Interdisciplinary Science, SESYNC

Description: It can be tempting to think of science as purely objective, or as something set apart from the realities and current events of the wider world. But in the case of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this line of thinking is not only untrue, it is unproductive. In this talk I will make the case that not only do DEI and interdisciplinarity go hand-in-hand, but that embracing DEI makes for better interdisciplinary science and scientists. I will then provide an in-depth look at how the National Socio-Environmental Center (SESYNC) put this philosophy into practice with its Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Socio-Environmental Synthesis graduate student workshop and research program earlier this year. After presenting the design process and subsequent findings, I will end the talk by highlighting key lessons learned and offering general recommendations for others to adapt and design their interdisciplinary training programs to not only prioritize and benefit from DEI, but to collectively make interdisciplinary science and research a welcoming and inspiring space for all. 

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