Diversity

Innovation and creativity grow in environments where people bring different ideas and perspectives. Developing a diverse work force and attracting diverse users are critical to meeting the needs of the MagLab’s interdisciplinary scientific community.

That’s why we work to build permanent diversity in our scientific staff, recruit students from underrepresented groups and encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in scientific research. The lab’s Diversity Committee, a group of scientists, technicians and staff dedicated to ensuring diverse practices in MagLab operations, directs this work.

The visiting scientists who come to the MagLab are at the center of what we do. The MagLab actively recruits new, diverse users at conferences such as the American Physical Society March meeting, the Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference and the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM. The opportunity to conduct research at one of our seven user facilities is equally available to all researchers through a fair and unified proposal system. Every year more than 1,800 scientists and engineers from across the globe use our facilities — from graduate students to Nobel laureates, hailing from both academia and the corporate world. The lab offers a wide array of resources to these users, including an experienced support staff, customized tools, training, financial support, housing assistance and more.

The MagLab is committed to diversity in all areas of our workplace, which includes scientists, machinists, engineers, administrators, writers and even artists. Using best practices for recruitment and retention for faculty and students, the MagLab works to build an inclusive environment where all staff members feel respected and valued. Members of search committees for scientific staff positions participate in formal training on best practices in hiring diverse candidates. The lab’s Tallahassee headquarters has also been recognized by the city of Tallahassee as a family-friendly workplace.

The MagLab recognizes that early and engaging exposure to science increases the likelihood that a student will pursue STEM subjects into college. The lab’s educational arm, the Center for Integrating Research & Learning, offers programs at all academic levels and trains teachers to expand scientific literacy and encourage interest in and the pursuit of science. Education staff also conduct research in teacher professional development and barriers for women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. The results of their research are presented at national conferences and published in key STEM education journals.

Diversity Funding

All applications are due by the 1^st of the month in order to be considered. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis, so even if an application is submitted before the 1^st, it will not be reviewed until the deadline. Notifications of funding acceptances will be sent by the 15^th of each month. Please indicate how your application fits within the MagLab's Diversity Mission.

Broadening Participation Funding

MagLab staff and scientists can apply for funding to broaden participation. Examples could include: attending a minority serving STEM conference or workshop, speaking at a minority serving institution or organization, paying for exhibiting costs at a conference or workshop for underrepresented minorities, or hosting visitors at the MagLab that would broaden participation in our user program. Please keep your request under $2000. This funding is meant to supplement other funds and funding is limited.

For more information, please contact Kristin Roberts

Apply Now

Professional Development Travel Funding

MagLab staff and scientists can apply for a professional travel grant once per calendar year. The total travel amount for awardees is up to $2000. Awardees will be chosen based on a set process/application. Please explain how this travel will support your individual goals, the mission of the lab, and the diversity mission of the lab.

For more information, please contact Amy McKenna.

Apply Now

Students can also find other sources of funding at the following websites:

http://artsandsciences.fsu.edu/students/scholarships/ermine-m-owenby-jr-fund-promote-excellence

http://sga.fsu.edu/cogs.shtml

https://www.aps.org/meetings/march/travelgrants.cfm

MagLab Diversity Action Plan

Mission statement: The Magnet Lab is committed to increasing diversity in the STEM workforce at the Magnet Lab and throughout the nation through our outreach, education, and mentoring programs.

The Magnet Lab is committed to building the STEM workforce through the following goals:

The Magnet Lab's educational outreach programs strive to increase the public's understanding of the importance of STEM education, and to build a more diverse STEM pipeline by reaching underrepresented and underserved populations from pre-school children through early career scientists as well as the general public.
The Magnet Lab is committed to the recruitment and hiring of diverse candidates into STEM positions, both at the Magnet Lab and elsewhere in the STEM workforce.
The Magnet Lab is committed to the retention and advancement of our current STEM staff.
The Magnet Lab is committed to career-long mentoring for our scientific and engineering staff.
The Magnet Lab seeks external guidance and advice to advance our diversity goals.

United Nations of Science

Our diverse, international workforce speaks everything from Amharic to Urdu. Listen to scientists and other staff members from around the globe welcome you to the MagLab in their native tongues.

Nearly half of all MagLab employees come from other countries. In fact, some 50 countries are represented by our culturally diverse staff. See our detailed map for more details.

For more information please contact Ernesto Bosque.

Last modified on 10 March 2023