With environmental science being the least diverse field in STEM, Switzer Fellow Regan Patterson and colleague Dominic Bednar launched Black in Environment in 2021 to build community for Black folks in environmental spaces and increase representation across environmental realms. They have created a team of dynamic co-organizers working together to achieve this mission, including Switzer Fellow Timnit Kefela. In honor of Black History Month, we asked Regan and Timnit a few questions about the project. We are excited to share about their achievements and looking forward to Black in Environment Week 2022!
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"We collectively realized the wildlife-related syllabi in our department were lacking in literature and stories from diverse voices," Christine shared.
"As part of the effort to diversify these syllabi, we decided to build and maintain a digital database of students, scientists, and practitioners from historically underrepresented backgrounds working in the broad field of wildlife ecology."
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CDFIs are private financial institutions dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to low-income, low-wealth and other disadvantaged people and communities. Investing in CDFIs is another step in the foundation’s long-term work to ensure all of our financial assets are managed to support our mission to improve environmental quality and advance social equity.
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Through the foundation’s Professional Development Fund grant program, Switzer Fellows may request up to $1,000 to help pay for training or attendance at an conference or meeting, or other professional development activity that will advance the fellow's career goals. Visit the website to learn more and apply. Contact Erin with questions or for more information.
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Free registrations for New Horizons Conference |
The New Horizons in Conservation Conference, taking place virtually March 29-31, convenes students and early career professionals who are historically underrepresented in the environmental field and/ or committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. Switzer Fellow Regan Patterson is one of the speakers this year! We are sponsoring the conference and have ten free registrations available to fellows who want to attend. Contact Erin if you would like to attend.
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Last year, we selected an inspiring cohort of 20 new Switzer Fellows, awarded 48 grants to alumni, convened welcoming virtual retreats and networking events, and completed a strategic review process to chart new directions for the foundation’s programs and finances. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the Switzer Network in 2021! Read the report here.
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Have news for this section? Send it to us so we can post it to our website, social media and future e-news.
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Wednesday, February 16th (today!)
Noon - 1 pm PST / 3 - 4 pm EST
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Fellows with Ph. Ds will share their experiences moving into applied careers in government, NGO and private sector environmental work. You'll come away with ideas, encouragement and connections with other fellows working in or seeking an applied Ph.D. career. Register here.
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Kevin Kung’s company, Takachar, is an official nominator for next year's Earthshot Prize, which is a GBP 1 million grant from the Royal Foundation awarded to 5 environmental categories every year. If anyone wishes to be nominated, fill out this form and send it to Kevin by March 1, 2022.
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Matt Hamilton shared that the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University is hiring a new Director.
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Andrea Johnson recommends several job opportunities and would be happy to facilitate connections to more information for interested fellows: Forests & Climate Change Director, Public Policy and Forests & Climate Change Director, Science at Wildlife Conservation Society; Land and Resource Rights Director, Center for Equitable Development, World Resources Institute; Climate and Energy Program Director, and Climate and Energy Communications Manager at Rainforest Action Network.
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Lindsay Barbieri’s organization Earth Science Information Partners is looking to contract with an Environmental Justice expert to help develop & lead 3 interactive meetings in collaboration with NASA. RFP submissions are due February 21, 2022. Lindsay would be happy to answer questions about the organization, the RFP, or the intersections of data access and environmental justice more broadly!
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Jessica Shade’s organization is organizing a hackathon with the Gathering for Open Ag Tech (GOAT): Hack@Organic, which will be taking place virtually, Feb 24-26th. Let Jessica know if you have questions, and please share about the event!
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Nicole Tichenor Blackstone is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to work on sustainability assessment of foods based out of Tufts University, Boston.
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Xantha Bruso’s team and others at Cadmus are hiring a variety of roles. Contact Xantha if you have any questions.
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The UCSC Doris Duke Scholars Program anticipates hiring an instructor to deliver an 8-week field-based immersive program this summer. Register your interest with Erika Zavaleta.
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Sasha Gennet shared that TNC California is hiring a Climate Resilience Scientist. Applications are due by February 27, 2022.
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The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) is hiring a Principal Environmental Planner in the Planning and Climate Protection Division. Applications are due February 28, 2022. Feel free to contact Miriam Torres with questions.
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Lara Cushing shared that UCLA is hiring 3 open rank faculty positions for environmental justice scholars in the department of education. Applications are due March 1, 2022.
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A vibrant community of environmental leaders |
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Belfast, ME 04915
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Copyright © 2021 Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation. All Rights Reserved. |
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