AGU, UAlbany Partnership Seeks to Increase Diversity in Geosciences

Last year's Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences female PhD graduating class with professors Kristen Corbosiero and Andrea Lang.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 12, 2019) – A new program designed to diversify the geosciences community is partnering with UAlbany’s Weather-Climate Enterprise.

The American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Bridge Program launched this year to develop, adopt and share inclusive practices for recruiting, admitting and retaining women and underrepresented minorities who are pursuing graduate degrees in the Earth and space sciences.

Partners, which include the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (DAES) and Atmospheric Science Research Center (ASRC) at UAlbany, will be given access to the AGU Bridge Program’s bachelor and master’s student applicant database to identify and recruit qualified students.

AGU has announced 14 partnering institutions – from 52 applications – to join the program.

“DAES is proud to be one of four primarily atmospheric science departments to be selected in the inaugural cohort, particularly given the number of institutions that applied,” said DAES Chair and Professor Ryan Torn. “We look forward to partnering with the AGU Bridge Program to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in our field.”

“ASRC is thrilled to be part of this program as we continue to encourage excellence through increased diversity and a culture of inclusiveness,” added ASRC Interim Director Christopher Thorncroft.

Students who want to join the Bridge Program can take advantage of a free common application starting this month.

Once accepted, students will be able to take advantage of professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences, and connect with faculty and other students who are part of the program.

“The AGU Bridge Program is an asset to institutions seeking to increase diversity in their departments and the larger geosciences community,” said AGU Executive Director and CEO Chris McEntee. “By working together, we can create a more welcoming environment in the Earth and space sciences for everyone. Congratulations to the 2019 AGU Bridge Partner institutions.”