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Writing Workshop

This hands-on writing workshop on diversity and inclusion in the geosciences is uniquely designed for geoscience scholars, practitioners, and program directors who are actively engaged with or concerned about issues in the realm of diversity and inclusion. We seek participants who are willing to dedicate the time and the effort to write about thoughts, outcomes, best practices, and innovative strategies in pursuit of scholastic equity in the geosciences.

Workshop Goal: The workshop will provide time, space, resources, and guidance for participants to write a draft geoscience education manuscript. The workshop goal is that each selected participant will produce a draft of a publishable education research manuscript that highlights an effective undergraduate initiative or strategy that supports and broadens participation in the geosciences.

Preparation: Prior to the workshop, participants will be expected to have completed a draft abstract and a written description of their geoscience program, and to bring programmatic data and results to the workshop.

Results and Expectations:  Accepted participants will be asked to submit a draft abstract by Nov. 7 before the workshop.  At the end of the workshop, participants will be asked to present a short lightning talk on their study. An outcome articulated in the funding is to publish papers as a result of this workshop. The format of publication will be discussed with participants at the workshop, and deadlines will be provided for the coming months. The authorship of the manuscript will remain with the participant. It is expected that the 20 participants will work as colleagues and be supportive of each other, and keep people’s studies and paper ideas confidential.

Ideas for Geoscience Manuscript Topics Include:

  • Effective strategies for increasing the participation and inclusion of minority and marginalized groups (i.e., African-Americans/Blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Alaskan/Hawaiians, Asian Pacific Islanders, first generation, low income, veterans, females, LGBTQs, and students with disabilities) in the geosciences;
  • Programmatic components or structures that support the success of underrepresented STEM minority undergraduates in pursuing educational and career paths in the geosciences.
  • Academic and non-academic supports that sustain diversity and inclusion success in the geosciences (i.e., bridge programs, leadership development programs, tutorials, field experiences);
  • The development of metacognitive skills, scientific identity, attitudes, and self-efficacy of STEM students, particularly for those in the geoscience disciplines.

Workshop Costs (Travel, Lodging, Food): For those interested in attending the workshop and are in agreement to the terms of the workshop goals, the travel costs and hotel stay will be covered up to $1,200.  Travelers from more remote locations may be eligible for additional funds. All meals will be covered by the workshop.

Workshop Logistics: The workshop will include invited speakers, panel discussions, and dedicated working sessions to support the process of developing, completing, and submitting a manuscript for publication.  Please note that each participant is expected to bring his/her own laptop to the workshop. An undergraduate student will be assigned to assist in the development of the paper with support provided before the workshop, if needed.