Diversity in STEM Project
First of all, I wish I could right now thank every one of you for your help in sharing this idea. When I sent out my first Tweet on it a few days ago, I didn't hear anything, and so I tried again. I am blown away by the support that I see in this community; it has humbled me and made me feel like what I'm doing has purpose.

I'm going to use this survey here to describe the project I had in mind. I'm then going to ask that you complete the survey below so that I can begin to organize information.

I am a former college professor who left college to teach high school because I wanted to have an impact in the community that I live in. Our community was well off until 2008 when a General Motors plant closed down. Now, 50% of our district's students and their families are economically disadvantaged. In addition, though we are a majority white school, we do have groups of students that would be considered underrepresented in the sciences. Examples include members of the black, latinx, English language learner (ELL), and LGBTQ+ communities. 30% of our students go to college, and many have trouble there for a variety of reasons.

As mentioned on Twitter (and Facebook), I was raised privileged, I was able to go to a private college, I earned a PhD, and--though I worked hard for where I am--these experiences are not something all of my students can relate to. Though I can teach them to become lifelong learners, critically think, and encourage them, I know I cannot (nor should I be) a role model to them all; they need to be able to see themselves in other scientists, or those who use science on a daily basis.

I teach biology, microbiology, and AP Biology. I am also in charge of our Science National Honor Society. So, I am fortunate to interact with ~100-150 students per year. So here is what I am hoping to begin doing:

My original plan was to find a few people, word of mouth, that would be willing to put together a one-slide "about me" poster in PowerPoint or Google Slides (we are a Google school). This would include a couple of pictures, your area of expertise, where you are from, something about your personal hobbies/life, and then your journey to get to where you are now. I was going to supplement that with the "I am a Scientist" project at Harvard. However, many of you have mentioned even the possibility of more than a "one-time" interaction, and so my plans are expanding.

I know that programs like "Skype a Scientist" exists, and I don't necessarily want to replicate what others are doing. Rather, I want to supplement it, or offer other opportunities. In the survey below, you will see a list of ways in which you might be able to help. Please choose the opportunities that you feel you would like to help with (and by no means feel obligated to click all the options).

Please know, I deeply value all that each of you has to offer. If you do not hear from me or a student immediately, it is not because I am avoiding you. Please know that this process will take time to develop and grow.
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What is your preferred name?
What are your preferred pronouns?
Where did you grow up?
Where do you reside now?
What would you consider is your area of expertise?
What are some words that describe your interests as an individual?
Where are you in your career?
Clear selection
My students include students of many backgrounds, including underrepresented populations in science (i.e. black, hispanic, LGBTQ, low socioeconomic status, etc.). If you would like to share, what are some terms that students might use to "find" you if they wanted to hear about your unique perspective?
What is the best email address to reach you at?
What is your Twitter handle?
Would you be open to students contacting you directly by email, Twitter, both, or neither?
Clear selection
Would you allow your information to be shared with other like-minded teachers in Wisconsin, who also want to share your stories with their students?
Clear selection
In what ways would you be willing to contribute to this project? (check all that apply)
Please include any other questions and/or comments below.
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