Many research groups are welcoming and supportive to students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM). In these research groups, the principal investigator (PI) and other members also strive to identify their own implicit biases that could, among other issues, negativity impact the personal or professional development of their coworkers including the students on the team.
However, unfortunately, there are also individuals who don’t value diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility and/or participate in hurtful and inexcusable actions through racist, sexist, ableist, or other discriminatory acts towards their labmates. Although we hope that all members of the research group you join is in the former category, we don’t have a sure-fire strategy to avoid those in the latter unless someone demonstrates it during an interview. We will state, however, that as an undergrad in the lab, our suggestion is to take your experience and transferable skills elsewhere if you join a research group that is hostile to your identities.
Everyone benefits from joining a research group where inclusivity, diversity, equitability, and accessibility for researchers with disabilities are genuinely valued by all team members.
The resources shared here are only a few intended to educate and empower researchers and research mentors at all career stages. We are still building this list of resources.
If you curate a list of resources we should add here, email us at undergrad in the lab at gmail dot com.
General resources to consult include
Scientific societies you belong to (check on your campus for a chapter)
Training available (or required) on your campus
Groups sponsored by your institution that support your identity or promote allyship
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM
"In addition to awarding nearly $12 million and counting in academic scholarships, AISES offers internships, professional development and career resources, national and regional conferences, leadership development summits, and other STEM-focused programming."
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science
"There is a future where STEM reflects the demographics of our country, so the field is better equipped to solve our world's most pressing problems. Through our people, programs, and partnerships, SACNAS has taken a radical approach to lead with culture and identity as the means to achieve true diversity in STEM."
STEM Resources and Opportunities for BIPOC, AAPIs, and Allies
This site is maintained by the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Ableism: Language and Microaggressions
This page is maintained by the University of The Fraser Valley.
STEM is about Discovery, Innovative solutions, and Communication.
This site was created by Samantha Yammine, Phd.
Ecologists advancing Environmental Justice (EJ)
This site was created by the Ecological Society of America Environmental Justice Section
PhD Balance
Created by Susanna Harris, Ph.D.
"Creating Space for Grad Students to Learn from Shared Experiences"
Mental Health Talks, Panels, and Workshops
This site was created by Dr Zoë J Ayres.
Demystifying Mental Health Support -
A webinar for STEMM graduate students
"The webinar is hosted by the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Geophysical Union, the American Physical Society, the American Society for Cell Biology, and the Professional Development Hub, which are all committed to the professional development of early-career scientists."
LGBTQ+ Advocacy in STEM
"LGBTQ+ Advocacy in STEM. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants Nos. EEC-1539140 and EEC-1748499. © 2019, ASEE."
500 Queer Scientists
"A visibility campaign for LGBTQ+ people and their allies working in STEM and STEM-supporting jobs — a group that collectively represents a powerful force of scientific progress and discovery."
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
"We empower LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support.
We educate all communities regarding scientific, technological, and medical concerns of LGBTQ+ people."
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
"A 501(c)(3) non-profit professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community. With over 100 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM."
Pride in STEM
"Pride in STEM is a charity run by an independent group of LGBTQIA+ scientists & engineers from around the world. Proud of who we are and what we do. We aim to showcase and support all LGBTQIA+ people in STEM fields."
39 LGBTQ+ STEM Innovators and Resources
STEM Shouldn't Discriminate
Created by Kit Englard who also goes by Femme de Chem
Resources for Students with Disabilities in STEM Fields
"Selected resources for students with disabilities pursuing higher education in science or engineering fields collected from former REU students, graduate students, faculty mentors, and educators are available on this page. These recommendations reflect the views of the site authors (Drs. Booksh and Rozovsky) only."
Disabled In STEM
"This is a safe space for those with disabilities or chronic illness and for those who are neurodiverse to seek advice from each other and share resources to help each other succeed."
DO-IT Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
This page is curated by the University of Washington (UW),