Amplifying Voices of Scholars from Diverse Communities: Green Chemistry Education in Action
Scientific advancement across all specializations is enhanced by leveraging the creativity of a diverse population of researchers, teachers, and students. This is especially true in Green Chemistry and Engineering, as greener innovation includes broader concerns of sustainability and stewardship of the environment on a global scale. It is critical that minority educators (including, but not limited to: gender minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+[1], and BIPOC[2] communities) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) have the resources, tools, and broader community visibility when teaching their students about green and sustainable chemistry.
Amplifying the voices of minority scholars working in green chemistry education is one of the primary goals of this half-day session. This session aims to highlight how educational curricula are being improved, and presentations will address the following topics individually or together: chemistry and engineering curricula being developed by minority educators and/or at MSIs that integrate green chemistry, systems thinking, and sustainability; and the inclusion of green teaching materials that explicitly underline the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR). Work from educators integrating these topics is critical to the process of training the next generation of scientists to tackle society s global challenges. Through this symposium, participants may also learn from speakers about important considerations in green chemistry curriculum reform when practicing this work in minority communities. Ahead of the conference, speakers may be invited to participate in a working group that uses the new Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) online platform as a collaboration and discussion space.
[1] 2SLGBTQIA+ = two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and additional affirmative ways to self-identify.
[2] BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, People of Color
Sponsors
Dr. Nimrat Obhi, Beyond Benign, Inc.
Dr. Jonathon Moir, Beyond Benign, Inc.
Dr. David Laviska, ACS Green Chemistry Institute
Prof. Glenn Hurst, University of York