Diversity & Inclusion

This committee was a diverse group, consisting of representatives from the faculty, staff, graduate student, and postdoc communities. Our efforts included organizing discussions and various activities aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department. As part of our responsibilities, we assessed the demographic composition of incoming cohorts, taking into account factors such as gender, race, first-generation status, and Pell eligibility. Through this assessment, we closely monitored the retention and graduation rates of different student groups, ensuring that the department was actively working towards creating an environment where all individuals could thrive. Additionally, I designed a survey to gather information about postdocs interactions with faculty members. This enabled us to identify areas for improvement in postdoc-faculty interactions and develop effective strategies to enhance the overall postdoc experience within the department.

In this group, our primary objective was to support international students and postdocs in their transition to Tucson and create a robust network that would guide them to thrive. To achieve this, we led the "Allyship program" that paired incoming scholars with local ones, both domestic and international, to provide assistance and support. Additionally, we took the initiative to organize various events that showcased the rich and diverse cultures within our department, fostering connections and a strong sense of community among our scholars.

As the Vice President of the Iranian Student Association at Florida State University, I served as an advisor to a vibrant community of approximately 100 Iranian scholars. In this role, I played a key role in organizing various events and gatherings aimed at providing support to Iranian students and postdocs, and sharing the rich Iranian culture with others. These initiatives fostered a sense of belonging and provided a platform for cultural exchange within the university community in Tallahassee, FL.