Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Rex Bernardo: My wife and I live in downtown Minneapolis, and my awareness of DEI challenges increased markedly during the events surrounding George Floyd’s killing.

Mary Brakke: Increasing ways for students from marginalized communities to participate in, and succeed in, plant and agricultural sciences through summer programs and internships is a priority for me as an educator. My relationships with students and colleagues who are part of these communities have enriched me personally and professionally. It is my hope that I can give back to these communities through these efforts.

Jenny Kimball: As a first generation college graduate, I became aware of the DEI issues early on in my career. After living in several parts of the country, I have noticed that these types of issues are prevalent across the country. I am particularly interested in inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels they are welcome and valued in our department.   

Peter Morrell:  For many years, I’ve sought to train student scientists from a diversity of backgrounds. I have also helped establish local best practices for a fair and open hiring process. I’m currently co-chair of the subcommittee for equity and diversity oversight for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Minnesota.

Walid Sadok: Born and raised in Tunis (Tunisia), lived and worked in Montpellier and Paris (France), Gainesville (FL, USA), Louvain (Belgium) and now in the Twin Cities. I hope to help build a climate where people from various backgrounds engage in empathetic, rigorous and stimulating discussions as we work together to address worthy societal challenges.

Karen Beaubien: My experiences working with a diversity of co-workers in the Agronomy and Plant Genetics department led me to pursue the Office of Equity and Diversity Advanced Certificate. 

Claire Menard (PMB): Listening to my peers' experiences, as well as being a student, mentor and teaching assistant over the last several years have all led me to participate in DEI training, start clubs about DEI in STEM, better my own mentoring/teaching practices and actively participate in departmental discussions. Along with being the graduate student representative, I am also in the Inclusive Science Fellows program.