The Gender Minorities group (GEMS) at the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory works to raise awareness around and promote gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We welcome people of all genders who are interested in improving gender equality in the field of Astronomy, and particularly encourage those who identify as gender minorities (e.g., female, transgender, or non-binary) to join us.
During each semester, our community comes together in a safe space to discuss any challenges and opportunities that arise from being a gender minority in STEM.
The goals of GEMS are to:
- Provide social opportunities and career advice/support to gender minorities in an effort to support the participation of gender minorities in astronomy.
- Meet with visiting colloquium speakers, where we discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from science, life in general, careers, family issues, diversity issues, or whatever else the speakers bring up.
- Keep group members up-to-date on relevant opportunities, such as meetings with visitors elsewhere on campus, funding opportunities, etc.
- Facilitate department-wide mentoring programs between grad students, postdocs, and undergrads.
If you have any questions or would like to be added to our email listserv, please contact Lily Whitler
Here are some useful links:
UA LGBTQ affairs: https://lgbtq.arizona.edu/clubs-organizations
WISSC STEM student groups: https://wissc.arizona.edu/resources/student-organizations