
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.
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.