A diversity of knowledge, experiences, and identities is essential for academic excellence, and a growing body of literature demonstrates that inclusion of diverse groups in science and other fields increases creativity, innovation, and productivity. These benefits emerge because diverse teams do not exclude the ideas of a large portion of the population, and thus the research or products produced by such teams can be more relevant to society. Yet, the scientific community does not reflect the demographics of the broader public. Many factors limit certain groups from participating in the scientific enterprise (e.g. economic barriers, implicit bias, microagressions, cultural differences in learning styles, and gender-based family care responsibilities). The Bombaci lab is strongly committed to increasing the representation of traditionally excluded groups in science and academia. This commitment is demonstrated through our research, teaching, and outreach.

We have conducted research on barriers and solutions to advancing diversity in ecology and conservation, including collaborative research evaluating gender disparities among invited speakers at ecology conferences (Farr et al.2017BioScience), and research demonstrating that underrepresented faculty play a disproportionate role in advancing diversity and inclusion (Jimenez et al. 2019 Nature Ecology and Evolution). Our current research investigates how field internships can more effectively attract a diverse pool of applicants.

Teaching and Mentoring

We are building a database of inclusive teaching material in ecology, evolution, and environmental science. Do you incorporate diverse perspectives on environmental topics or research from diverse scientists in your courses? Please add to the database and share widely with your networks!

Dr. Bombaci has also closely mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in research and leadership roles, and has mentored several successful recipients of prestigious fellowships like the NSF GRFP and the Ford Fellowship.

Outreach

The Bombaci Lab engages in various outreach activities, especially while partnering with the Ecological Society of America SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability) Colorado State University Chapter. Past outreach activities include the CSU SEEDS Mountain Campus Bioblitz , K-12 outreach to undeserved schools, and SEEDS leadership meetings and field trips.

Check out the beautiful CSU Mountain Campus in this video from our SEEDS Bioblitz