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Track: Inspire Session
Courtney Collins
Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder
Boulder, CO, USA
Michala Phillips
Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California Riverside
Riverside, CA, USA
Brianne Palmer
Plant Science, University of California, Davis
San Diego, California, United States
Despite the significant progress in improving gender balance in ecology, women remain underrepresented in the fields of soil science, particularly at higher levels (Hampton and Labou 2017). This imbalance is far higher for women of color, with only 7.5% of Ecology PhD recipients since 2000 reported as non-Caucasian (Hampton and Labou 2017). Historical and structural discrimination has decreased the diversity in leadership roles, while also decreasing visibility of the research accomplishments of women and particularly Black, Indigenous, women of color. Further, this lack of diversity limits the diversity of perspectives and has disadvantaged the field of ecology as a whole (Singh 2018). Highlighting the accomplishments of women and historically excluded women is key to not only increasing inclusion and equity in our field, but also advancing the next generation of scientific thought.
Here we gather ten soil ecologists from a diversity of identities, career stages, and disciplines to highlight fundamental contributions of women to the field of soil science. Their work addresses a broad range of topics, and encompasses intersections between research and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Speakers will share their research, furthering diverse perspectives and enhanced representation in our field. These speakers are paving the way for more women in the future of soil ecology, while also leading the field with new conceptual, methodological, and theoretical breakthroughs. We couldn’t imagine a better fit for this year’s theme of “Vital Connections in Ecology” as our session highlights the vital connections women are making between science and social justice.
Presenting Author: Lydia Jennings – University of Arizona
Presenting Author: Evelyn Valdez-Ward – Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
Presenting Author: Yamina Pressler – Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic State University
Presenting Author: Asmeret Asefaw Berhe – School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced
Presenting Author: Aral C. Greene – Environmental Science, University of California-Riverside
Presenting Author: Daniela Cusack – Ecosystem Science & Sustainability, Colorado State University
Presenting Author: Aditi Sengupta – Biology, California Lutheran University
Presenting Author: Chelsea J. Carey – Point Blue Conservation Science
Presenting Author: Andressa Monteiro Venturini – Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture - University of São Paulo
Presenting Author: Adriana Romero-Olivares – New Mexico State University