Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Creating an inclusive environment

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are a priority for the FRIB Laboratory. As a federally funded laboratory at a public university, FRIB commits itself to fostering a safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work and research environment which values respect and personal integrity. Scientific users, students, and employees at the FRIB Laboratory share a common interest—to contribute to society through scientific discovery. This is best achieved when everyone is included and valued, in a welcoming and respectful environment that advances inclusive excellence and fosters a sense of belonging.

FRIB is guided by its Diversity Advisory Committee to make the FRIB Laboratory environment welcoming and inclusive for everyone and to improve the laboratory workforce diversity.

Partnering with Minority Serving Institutions (MSI)

FRIB works to increase representation through an integrated set of programs from middle school to faculty placement with Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), with other programs in place to advance inclusion and a sense of belonging for all.

Programs

  • Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation: Exploring the Nuclear Matter (PING) – Summer (two weeks) and academic year (nine months)
    • For middle-school and high-school students
    • Exposure to basic and applied nuclear science
    • Conference networking and mentoring from undergraduate students
    • Collaboration with National Society of Black Physicists, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and Associated Universities Inc. to focus on multiple levels of physics and astronomy
  • Students Training and Engagement Program for Undergraduates in Physics (STEP-UP)
    • For middle-school, high-school, undergraduate/graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows
    • Exposure to the fields of physics and astronomy to cultivate interest in physics
    • Mentoring and advising for lifelong benefits
    • National organization of physics teachers, researchers, and professional societies from MSI community
  • PEGASUS/Director Research Scholars (DRS) – Two-day visit
    • For undergraduate students
    • Exposure to MSU physics and nuclear-physics programs
    • Partnering institutions: Green Bank Telescope. FRIB, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Michigan State University, Yale University, Purdue University, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Servicing Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities
  • Physics Immersion – Summer (two weeks)
    • For undergraduate/graduate students
    • Pre-training/skills building prior to attending summer research
    • Mentoring program for transition to graduate school
    • MSU Summer Research Opportunities Program/Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
  • Institute for Nuclear Science to Inspire the next Generation of a Highly Trained workforce (INSIGHT)
    • For undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
    • Created to measure progress and coordinate longitudinal tracking of trainees’ progression towards science and technology careers
    • Current partners: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (nine) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (two)
  • MSI fellowship – One-year transition program
    • For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
    • Postdocs/graduate students transition to faculty position at MSIs
    • Current partners: Virginia State University, Morgan State University, and Dillard University

Assessment

INSIGHT measures progress and coordinates longitudinal tracking of trainees’ progression towards science and technology careers.

FRIB internal resources

FRIB’s education and development program—Diversifying Rare Isotopes to Promote Learning and Inspire new Engineers, Scientists and Staff (DRIPLINES2)—is open to FRIB faculty, staff, administrators, and students.

The objectives for DRIPLINES2 include providing foundational understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in higher education and building a community of practice within FRIB that advances inclusive excellence and a sense of belonging for those who learn and work within the facility.