Climate, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Nurturing diversity, denouncing intolerance and promoting acceptance

We are committed to improving the social climate within the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology by increasing diversity and inclusivity in the enrollment of our undergraduate and graduate programs, in the recruitment of our personnel, and in the daily practice of teaching, research, and outreach in our department.

Mission

We take an inclusive approach to the definition of “diversity.” Texas A&M University and the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology are committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity. We expect a climate that values and nurtures collegiality, diversity, pluralism, and the uniqueness of the individual within our state, nation, and world. Texas A&M University, in accordance with applicable federal and state law, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender identity, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status in employment, educational programs, and admissions.

Vision

A major goal of the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology is to foster a working and learning environment that nurtures diversity, denounces intolerance, and promotes acceptance, through inclusive curriculum, policies, and procedures.

CDEI Action Items

Waive GRE Exam requirement
Non-discrimination syllabus statement
Ongoing departmental conversations
Student recruitment
Student retention
Climate initiatives

Professional Conduct

embers of the department are expected to create honest and objective work that is free from misinformation, plagiarism, and personal prejudices and biases. Members should adhere to academic and industry standards for ethically collecting and reporting data.

Promote an Inclusive and Respectful Environment

Members of the department are expected to create an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and recognized. Aligning with the expectations of Texas A&M as well as federal and state laws, members will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Members are expected to respect differing ideals and beliefs from all individuals and maintain civility and professionalism in discourse. Members will not engage in harmful behaviors or create intimidating places of work for other faculty, staff, or students.

Uphold Scientific and Professional Integrity

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Commitment to Ethical Research

Members of the department are expected to follow all ethical guidelines for human and animal research in laboratory and field settings. This includes obtaining proper authorizations to conduct research at the institutional, state, federal, and global levels. For example, approval at the institutional level requires review by Texas A&M’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (animal research) and Institutional Review Board (human research).

Staying Aware

Members of the department are expected to stay aware of new information and issues not only within the scientific community but within the broader community. Members should pay attention to how current events and issues impact our community. Members should know where they can report potential issues relating to professional and ethical conduct.

Download the Code of Professional Conduct

Inclusive Excellence Resources

Meet the Committee

The Climate, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is composed of interdisciplinary faculty, staff, postdoctoral research associates, graduate, and undergraduate students with a passion for promoting a healthy and inclusive working environment. Their leadership and vision is paving the way to ensure that all members of our department feel valued, respected, and welcomed.

Theresa Bransom (Program Aide)
Claudio Casola (Associate Professor)
Miriam Catalan (Graduate Student)
Marisa Collura (Graduate Student)
Luis Hurtado (Associate Professor)
Alaya Keane (Graduate Student)
Jessica Light (Associate Professor)
Carol Loopstra (Associate Professor)
Jaedyn Medrano (Undergraduate Student)
Javier Garcia Saldana (Undergraduate Student)
Sidney Sanchez (Undergraduate Student)
Daniel Spalink (Assistant Professor)
Amanda Stronza (Professor)
Jenna Turpin (Graduate Student)

Mentoring and Guidance Program

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology Committee on Climate, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI) has a Student Mentoring and Guidance Program. This program includes volunteer mentors (faculty, staff, researchers, and students) who are available to mentor ECCB students (students majoring in ECCB as well as the ESSM and WFSC legacy degrees). This program is not intended to take the place of our academic advisors. Rather, volunteer mentors are available to help ECCB students with questions or problems related to academics, careers, graduate school, or problems affecting your time at Texas A&M University. Feel free to contact whomever you feel most comfortable talking to or who you think can give you the needed advice.

ECCB Mentoring and Guidance Program