UW-Madison’s Chemistry Department received the 2020 Diversity Award from the UW System Board of Regents.
This award celebrates the work the Chemistry Department has done to not only enhance underrepresented students’ success in the field, but also help ensure access to the department.
“This award celebrates a key point in our progress toward fostering greater diversity in our discipline and is just the beginning of our efforts,” Chemistry Department Chair Judith Burstyn said. “These achievements are the result of everyone in the department who works tirelessly to build diversity through the creation of key programs and mentorship of students.”
The Chemistry Department created several programs to increase diversity in the field, such as Chemistry Opportunities, Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Catalyst, a supportive mentoring program for underrepresented and first-generation college students.
“Consistent with UW-Madison’s commitment to recruit, retain and graduate a diverse student body, the Department of Chemistry embraced their role in supporting diversity by creating highly effective initiatives to increase representation within their large graduate program,” said Gloria Mari Beffa, associate dean in the College of Letters & Science, in her nomination letter.
The Board of Regents awards the winners $7,500, which the Chemistry Department will use to continue to support its programs that enhance diversity.