Committing to Inclusive Diversity with Equity, Access and Accountability (IDEAA)
ASM recognizes that the Black community continues to face large obstacles related to discrimination and racism across the globe. We are committed to facilitating open dialogue about these issues and taking action to eradicate remaining barriers in the field of microbiology. We encourage staff, volunteer leadership and our membership to take time to educate themselves on the realities of racism and discrimination. In 2020, ASM joined #ShutDownSTEM to raise awareness about racism in STEM; and, as part of this ongoing committment, we participate in an annual Day of Understanding committing time to focus on staff development around DEI topics, both conceptually and in practice.
We also acknowledge that we must continue to push for increased Black leadership within ASM and support mentorship opportunities among Black students and early career researchers.
We invite you to review the IDEAA Strategy, which outlines our plans to address gaps in diverse representation, equitable contribution and accessible opportunities for the broader microbial sciences community.
A Call to Address Disparities in K-12 Education for Black Youth
In early STEM education, inequity and disparities persist in the United States. These disparities can be addressed in K-12 learning environments via the use of culturally responsive pedagogy.
Exploring ASM’s DEI History: Celebrating and Learning From Our Past
As ASM looks toward celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024, shared findings from the oral and written records are helping to identify gaps, progress and successes in past and current DEI efforts.
A Better Future for Black Microbiologists: Lessons Past & Present
The existence of ‘hidden figures’ in STEM is a symptom of unjust systems. Work toward equitable and inclusive research spaces in the future must be informed by the climate in which Black microbiologists persist, past and present.
A Black Woman’s Journey in Microbiology: Spotlight on Aisha Burton
Dr. Aisha Burton is a Black woman microbiologist on a mission. Burton shares how she is determined to create a path for the new generation of historically underrepresented groups in the microbial sciences interested in pursuing a career in research and education.
Overcoming Microaggressions in the Lab: Spotlight on Kawanda Foster
Dr. Kawanda Foster shares how the lack of diversity in STEM drove her away from science, but the skill of discernment helped her carve a rewarding career and develop an indispensable support system.
Never Stop Exploring: Spotlight on Squire Booker
Dr. Squire Booker ensures his students have numerous opportunities to explore their passions in STEM, and, ultimately, pursue projects that they are curious and excited about.
mSphere of Influence: That’s Racist—COVID-19, Biological Determinism, and the Limits of Hypotheses
Kishana Taylor works in the field of virology. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on the personal impact of “Racial health disparities and COVID-19 – caution and context” by Merlin Chowkwanyun and Adolph L. Reed, Jr.
Summer undergraduate research experiences (SUREs) provide important onramps to secondary STEM graduate degrees and subsequent careers. Studies demonstrate that these experiences increase the likelihood of students advancing to a graduate-level STEM degree, positively impact STEM identity and confidence, and imbue a sense of professional belonging.
Biographical Feature: William A. Hinton, M.D
Dr. William Hinton was a “brilliant scientist and educator” along with being a well-known clinical microbiologist. In 1997, ASM established the ASM William A. Hinton Award to commemorate his contributions to the field and to recognize the outstanding contributions toward fostering the research training of scientists from historically underrepresented groups and increasing diversity in microbiology.
mSystems Thinking Series: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Microbiology
Dr. Michael Johnson participated in the mSystems Thinking webinar series last year, where he highlighted the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) and its critical importance to undergraduates, filling a need that was previously unidentified.
Black Women Clinical Microbiologists in Historical and Contemporary Practice
Watch the February 2022 CPHM Virtual Journal Club session. In this webinar, subject-matter experts discuss 2 thought-provoking articles from ASM’s Journal of Clinical Microbiology® (JCM), as well as explore the stories and contributions of Black women clinical microbiologists in historical and contemporary practice. This webinar is free to members and non-members. ASM login is required.
ASM Sponsored Black in Microbiology Week 2021
We were a gold sponsor of #BlackinMicrobiology week 2021, coordinated by the Black Microbiologists Association, a grassroots organization that highlights accomplishments of Black microbiologists from around the world and fosters a supportive community for their work.
Get Involved at ASM
Interested in becoming involved with ASM’s DEI efforts?
- Explore opportunities to volunteer for ASM’s IDEAA web writing team.
- Volunteer as a committee member.
- Connect with peers by attending a mixer at ASM Microbe 2023.