University of Washington UW Chemical Engineering

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

chemical engineering students

Community Code of Conduct

The UW Department of Chemical Engineering is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive experience for all attendees. This means that the space will be free from harassment based on, but not limited to, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices.

Read the full code conduct here (pdf) >>

Increasing Access and Equity in ChemE Education

UW ChemE is committed to implementing evidence-based changes that make an engineering education accessible to all. While in our department, all faculty, staff, and students are provided with tools and training to grow in their cultural competency; this we believe is critical to our mission of engineering solutions for a better world. Further, we strive to lead the conversation and influence other departments and institutions to take effective, proactive measures.

These are a few of the actions ChemE is taking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI):

  • Made the GRE optional starting with 2019-2020 applications. (Access the slide deck used in ChemE faculty discussions around this decision here (ppt) and reach out to professor Elizabeth Nance with questions.)
  • Implemented a rubric for evaluating graduate applicants
  • Revised undergraduate and graduate admissions essay to emphasize DEI, increased transparency in evaluation criteria
  • Made diversity-focused posters part of the PhD recruitment visit poster session

Graduate program

  • Sexual harassment/microaggression training during orientation

Undergraduate program accessibility

  • NSF S-STEM Scholarships for Transfer students, in partnership with Materials Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
  • COE Engineering Academic Center
  • ChemE Advising Team: Our department advisers are dedicated to helping every graduate and undergraduate student in ChemE succeed. Whether it’s building individual courses of study, connecting students with internships, or empowering students with resources and support to overcome challenges, Dave, Allison, and Nicole are experienced in supporting students from diverse backgrounds. They are also available to meet with prospective students.
  • Onboarding materials and mentoring committees for junior faculty to engrain culture of DEI
  • Rubric used for faculty applicants, diversity statement required
  • Diversity Committee assesses rubrics and job postings
  • Sexual harassment training periodically incorporated into faculty meetings

Continuous Improvement and Accountability

Our work is far from complete. Check back here for a current list of DEI initiatives we’re working on as a department.

DEI Town Halls

  • ChemE hosted a Listening Town Hall on June 18, 2020
  • Action/Discussion Town Halls held on June 25, July 23, and August 27, 2020
  • We are currently developing quarterly town halls for the 2020-2021 academic year

Resources for Community Members

Although we hope all members of our community will have a positive experience in our department, we also want to highlight the resources available to you if you need help, and the many ways that you can report an issue so we can take action to address any racist or otherwise problematic behavior.

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Report issues: Each individual on this list has had training in how to respond and elevate concerns around bias, harassment, and safety. Please share any issues you have observed through whichever channel feels most comfortable

Access resources

Diversity Committee

The following faculty, staff, and students currently serve on the Diversity Committee. Everyone can contribute ideas and feedback to the committee through this anonymous form >>

Faculty

james carothers

James Carothers

cole deforest

Cole DeForest

elizabeth nance

Elizabeth Nance

lilo pozzo

Lilo Pozzo

Staff

debbie carnes

Debbie Carnes, Administrator

dave drischell

Dave Drischell, Academic Services Director

nicole minkoff

Nicole Minkoff, Undergraduate Adviser

allison sherrill

Allison Sherrill, Graduate Student Adviser

Students

Graduate and undergraduate students may apply, starting September 1, to serve on the committee. Sincere thanks to outgoing student members Kyle Elliott, Jaime Rodriguez, Griffin Ruehl, and Gabriella Tosado!

More Information and Resources