BIO 290A: Being Human in STEM: Fieldwork

This is an interactive guide that directs ways that leaders in field projects can take on the responsibility of the dangers that members of the team who hold minoritized identities encounter with higher frequency. The web-page provides links to resources and stories to help leaders in field work understand and work against dangers posed to their colleagues and students.

This article describes how people who hold minoritized identities are at greater risk of suffering abuse during fieldwork. It is specifically focused on dangers encountered by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and ways that allies can work to address these issues.

The middle of this presentation addresses human psychological needs, focusing on factors that can impact mental health, specifically in geoscience field work. The presentation pulls out specific ways the field can be an unforgiving environment, including perceived danger, geographical isolation, lack of privacy, and how gender/cultural/mental health differences can put some students at greater risk for negative mental health experiences. It also addresses how group dynamics can have negative impacts, and that it is important to lead by example to promote a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
This PowerPoint accompanied a presentation at the University of Leeds, during the Higher Education Network Annual Meeting with Diversity in Geoscience, UK. The conference and workshops were centered around inclusion, diversity and equality in higher education.