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Diversity and Inclusion at Thayer

At Dartmouth, we know that diversity, in all its forms, is central to engineering innovation. That is why, Thayer School of Engineering strives to create a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives can learn and discover to their fullest potential, in an environment where every individual feels an innate sense of belonging. In doing so, we create a place where true human-centered innovation happens.

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D&I Strategic Plan

Community Success Grants

Mission and Goals

We strive to be a community that embodies openness, collaboration, and human-centered innovation, where students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds, life experience, talents, and perspectives have access to the opportunity and support they need to succeed in school or at work.

A group of students smile for the camera in the woods of Mt. Moosilauke.

Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

Our strategic plan for diversity and inclusion was developed in collaboration with engineering students, faculty, and staff. Aligned with Dartmouth's institutional strategic plan, our goal is to create an education community that consistently prioritizes opportunity and access, as well as health and well-being, for all of our students and employees, and in doing so, create a welcoming, inclusive, and joyful place to learn and work.

D&I Strategic Plan

Committee Members

Thayer's Diversity and Inclusion Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and students committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming place to learn and work.

Faculty

Salil Bedkihal, Petra Bonfert-Taylor, Alex Boys, Emme Burgin, Peter Chin, Sol Diamond, Kendall Farnham, Bryce Ferguson, Katie Hixon, Eugene Korsunskiy, Ron Lasky, Erin Mayfield, Emily Monroe, Hung V.-T. Nguyen, and Laura Ray.

Staff

Cody Best, Linda Braden, Christiane Buessard, Jentry Campbell, Ariana Davis, Simge Engelkiran, Robin Frye, Laura Hercod, Bethany Iyobe, Kelli Kehoe, Jess Kinzie, Lee Koh, Bruce Laferriere, Liz Lerret, Gabriella Martinez, Paula Olson, Lydia Reedstrom, and Elisabeth Waltz

Members at Large
Vicki May, Lydia Reedstrom, and Holly Wilkinson

Working Groups

Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, will focus efforts on several strategic areas, including:

  • Leadership & Accountability

    Align leaders to a shared commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming culture, where every individual is empowered to work, learn, and discover to their fullest potential.

    Fireside Chats

    Sustain the Fireside Chat series and grow the representation of all participant types (students, staff, postdocs, faculty).

    Co-Chairs: Emily Monroe, Laura Hercod
    Members: Kelli Kehoe, Ron Lasky

    Climate Survey

    Develops and implements climate surveys to better understand community experiences, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and use findings to inform future priorities and actions.

    Members: Lydia G. Reedstrom, Petra Bonfert-Taylor, Simge Engelkiran

  • Culture, Climate & Community Engagement

    Cultivate an inclusive culture in which all students, staff, and faculty feel a sense of connection and belonging.

    Community Learning Series

    Creating learning and cultural engagement opportunities that strengthen connection and understanding within the Thayer community.

    Co-Chairs: Gabriella Martinez, Simge Engelkiran
    Members: Katie Hixon, Laura Hercod, Linda Braden

    Cultural Competence & Inclusive Practice

    Building cross-cultural understanding and inclusive behavior across the entire Thayer community—students, faculty, and staff—by creating interactive learning opportunities through collaboration with Dartmouth College partners. Creating a culture of respect amongst students, in classrooms, labs and advising interactions. 

    Co-Chairs: Christiane Buessard, Simge Engelkiran
    Members: Alex Boys, Gabriella Martinez, Paula Olson

    Dartmouth Engineering Summer Research Experience (DESRE)/ Educational Outreach

    Exploring sustainable educational and research outreach opportunities with community colleges and other external partners.

    Co-Chairs: Hung V.-T. Nguyen, Jentry Campbell
    Members: Bryce Ferguson, Cody Best

  • Recruitment & Retention

    Integrate diversity and inclusion into recruitment and retention processes and practices to create an environment where faculty and staff thrive and feel secure and supported.

    Culture of Mentorship

    Chair: Emme Burgin
    Members: Eugene Korsunskiy, Salil Bedkihal and Sol Diamond

    Staff Professional Development

    Supporting equitable staff growth and advancement through clearer career pathways, professional development, and transparent promotion practices.

    Chair: Elisabeth Waltz
    Members: Bethany Iyobe, Lee Koh, Robin Frye

  • The Student Experience

    Integrate diversity and inclusion into policies, practices, curriculum, and programs that impact the student experience at Thayer.

    Inclusive and Respectful Community

    Fostering respect, belonging, and a more inclusive learning experience for graduate students through thoughtful everyday interactions.

    Chair: Jess Kinzie
    Members: Ariana Davis, Bruce Laferriere, Laura Ray

    PhD Academic Advising

    Exploring whether the existing special advisory committee thesis committee could serve as a secondary advisor for first- and second-year graduate students, with structures to keep the work productive and equitably shared.

    Co-Chairs: Erin Mayfield, Kendall Farnham
    Members: Liz Lerret, Peter Chin

Humans of Thayer Project

Humans of Thayer (HofT) is a project designed to foster connection, acceptance, and a sense of belonging by sharing the faces and stories of our students, faculty, and staff. View HofT posts on Instagram or Flickr. Help us build community by sharing what you love to do, what sustains your curiosity, your biggest influence, or something else about yourself!

HofT Submission Form

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