NatSci faculty member, Kellogg Biological Station Culture and Inclusion Committee recognized with Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards
High-energy particle physicist Huey-Wen Lin and the W.K. Biological Station’s Culture and Inclusion Committee (CIC) received 2022-23 MichiganState University Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards (EDEIA) at a ceremony held Feb. 13 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
This university wide award recognizes individuals, teams and units for their exceptional and innovative contributions to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching, research, programming, service, community outreach and organizational change.
New or continuing efforts are recognized in six thematic categories: excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion; advancing knowledge and scholarly engagement; fostering engagement, collaboration(s) and partnership(s); advocating justice and equity; promoting learning and educating for inclusivity; and creating transformative organizational change.
Courtesy photo
“Congratulations to Huey-Wen Lin and W.K. Kellogg Biological Station on their EDEI awards,” said Danielle Flores Lopez, MSU College of Natural Science interim assistant dean of DEI. “We appreciate their continued efforts to advance DEI in NatSci, the MSU community, and beyond in the areas of fieldwork, research and technology.”
One way Lin, a high-energy particle physicist with joint appointments in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, is helping young female and diverse students understand quantum physics is through an educational application called “Quantum 3“. Players of all ages are introduced to the world of particle physics as they navigate the free puzzle-matching game.
She is also a co-creator of the "My Journey as a Physicist" podcast, which she works on with MSU students. The podcast aims to challenge the stereotypes about physicists and the challenges they face, and hopefully make the career more accessible to diverse students.
“For many years at conferences, I was deterred from spending time on DEI by senior researchers,” Lin said. “I was advised not to be seen as being distracted by non-research activities and that it would hurt me in job applications, promotions and consideration for important scientific roles. This award says otherwise, and I am so glad to be at MSU, where DEI efforts are being celebrated rather than discouraged. I am very honored to accept the award among all the amazing awardees I met at the award ceremony.”
Members of the KBS Culture and Inclusion Committee (L to R): Jamie Smith, Elizabeth Schultheis, Andrew Fogiel, Nameer Baker, Robin Waterman, Zaman Hussain, Cinnamon Mittan, Christine Sprunger, Sarah Roy, and Kyle Jaynes. Not pictured: Misty Klotz. Credit: Tayler Ulbrich
Formed in 2017, KBS’s Culture and Inclusion Committee helps create an atmosphere where all feel welcomed and comfortable to work, study, live and play. The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station is continually working toward a diverse and equitable space for students, creating a great sense of belonging for students in the field of science and at MSU. The CIC coordinates resources, trainings and other opportunities for growth in areas related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and making these ideas central to KBS’s culture.
“Biology is for all, and it makes me very proud to know others feel that KBS is a place that embodies that ethos,” said Nameer Baker, CIC co-chair. “On a personal level, this award validates our attempts to make sure that it is not just those who have always felt welcome in science that feel welcome at KBS. Professionally, it makes me even more confident that we will be able to do the best science we possibly can here at the station as we ensure that as many as possible of the brilliant folks that come through here have their voices heard.”
EDEIA awardees are nominated through a process that requires nomination and support letters and interviews with the nominees.
Banner image: MSU’s annual Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals, teams and units for their exceptional and innovative contributions in six thematic categories: excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion; advancing knowledge and scholarly engagement; fostering engagement, collaboration(s) and partnership(s); advocating justice and equity; promoting learning and educating for inclusivity; and creating transformative organizational change. Credit: Cerrick Turner, University Communications
