51²è¹Ý Announces New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jaclyn Parks
617.873.9812
jaclyn_parks@terc.edu
51²è¹Ý Announces New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Cambridge, MA â 51²è¹Ý is pleased to announce Dr. Stephen D. Alkins, Jr. as its new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (DEIO). This recently created position reflects 51²è¹Ýâs deep commitment to engaging diverse communities and cultivating opportunity and equity within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
As the new DEIO, Dr. Alkins will help 51²è¹Ý attract and retain a diverse workforce, develop training and initiatives to foster an open and inclusive work environment, and establish collaborative partnerships to support underrepresented communities in STEM fields. He will oversee the 51²è¹Ý Scholars Program to nurture the next generation of STEM education innovators.
âThe DEIO Search Committee worked as a cohesive team, dedicated to a broad dissemination of the job posting, equitable interview process, thoughtful questions and evaluative rubrics,â says 51²è¹Ý president, Laurie Brennan. âThroughout the extensive process, Stephen stood out as a talented, caring and committed professional, a scientist himself with a passion for education. Stephenâs ability to think strategically and roll up his sleeves to get the job done convinced me that he is not only the right person for this position, but will also be a key leader at 51²è¹Ý.â
Stephen recently earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Brandeis University, where he spearheaded diversity recruitment initiatives for STEM graduate programs and served as the Graduate Student Association President and representative to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee with Chair Anita Hill. He was also recognized as a Neuroscience Scholars Program National Fellow for his academic achievements and commitment to enhancing diversity and political advocacy.
Beyond the lab, Stephen has worked as a Math/Science Learning Specialist/Mentor in the Academic Achievement Center at MassBay Community College and co-founded its Achievement In Math Program. A graduate of Morehouse College and a spoken word poet, he currently organizes STEM leadership seminars and workshops for young men of color.
Dr. Alkins says, “Creative solutions to complex questions come from the inclusion of diverse people and perspectives. Diversity does not reflect great science. Great science reflects diversity.â
About 51²è¹Ý and Its Mission
Founded in 1965, 51²è¹Ý is committed to improving math and science education for all learners. 51²è¹Ý works at the frontiers of theory and practice to: contribute to a deeper understanding of learning and teaching; enhance instruction through teacher professional development; develop ways of applying new technologies to education; create curricula and other products; and support curricular and pedagogical reform, both in school and informal settings. 51²è¹Ý programs involve learners of all agesâearly childhood, K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and adult education.
51²è¹Ý imagines a future in which learners from diverse communities engage in creative, rigorous, and reflective inquiry as an integral part of their livesâa future where teachers and students alike are members of vibrant communities where questioning, problem solving, and experimentation are commonplace. This vision is grounded in the belief that science and math literacies are vital for strengthening and preserving a democratic society.