The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) convened the first National Diversity Equity Workshop for Chemical Engineering Academic Leaders (NDEW-ChE) in June 2022. The centerpiece of the workshop, held in Baltimore, was a series of breakout sessions where groups of seven to ten participants were charged with identifying appropriate solutions to an issue where diversity and inclusion were at stake. Two faculty members from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering—Paulette Clancy, department head, and Jeffrey Gray, professor—co-authored an article summarizing the workshop’s conclusions and sharing some best practices, published in the February 2023 edition of Chemical Engineering Progress, the monthly AIChE newsletter. Rigoberto Hernandez, Gompf Family Professor in the Krieger School of Art & Science’s Department of Chemistry, is a co-author.
The article, titled “Effective Practices in Equity and Inclusion for ChE Academic Departments,” detailed the findings of representatives from about 50 chemical engineering departments around the U.S. Participants represented research universities, primarily undergraduate institutions, minority-serving institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The groups examined six distinct case studies, each with potential for conflict. These complex situations allowed the participants to reflect on multiple angles of the situation; think about how various options affected climate, culture, and inclusion; and hear perspectives of other leaders — without the immediate pressure of a real-life encounter. The breakouts gave leaders practice developing solutions, a chance to interact with people in similar roles/positions, and perspective on how local policies, organizational structure, and resources impact responses and outcomes.
Stating that “an inclusive culture has been found to increase the performance and innovation of organizations,” the article concludes that “everyone must take ownership of the culture and play a role” in the aim of advancing equity and inclusion. Continuing education about the relevant issues, including inviting outside speakers to present best practices, and inclusive hiring and promotion were cited as key elements in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As part of the department and university’s commitment to equity, the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), with student, faculty, and staff members, meets regularly and features a guest speaker each semester. CDI offers a travel grant award for students to use for attendance at conferences and seminars throughout the country.