Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern understands that true excellence requires diversity in a myriad of ways.

We affirm the profound value of diversity of thought as it arises from diversity of background, experience, race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, belief system, nationality, age, ability/disability, veteran status, and marital and family status. We are committed to proactive outreach to recruit, support, and promote those from underrepresented and underserved populations. Inclusion, equity, and engagement are essential to the well-being of our diverse community. We acknowledge our responsibility to foster equitable educational and professional outcomes across our department, and to ensure that all members are safe from harassment arising from differences. Thus, we actively strive to create an environment that is anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-biased in all ways, while celebrating the differences that enrich our intellectual and personal discourse. Integral to our pursuit of academic excellence and rigor is a supportive environment of mutual respect in which we engage in open, inclusive discussion and vigorous debate. This is how great ideas are born and nourished.

We invite you to join us, hand in hand, with partners from all walks of life, on our mission to expand the frontier of knowledge.

Learn more about the concrete steps we are taking to enhance and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through the programs and activities listed here.

Initiatives

We are pursuing DEI-related goals at all levels of the department, from piloting bridge instruction for graduate students to creating a standing faculty recruitment committee.  One such goal is to diversify the academic community of materials scientists; our Future Leaders Program exemplifies these efforts in both the short and long term.

Student Groups

Learn more about active student groups within and outside the department that create an inclusive campus community.

Departmental Diversity Committee

The MSE Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee brings together faculty, students, researchers, and staff to develop strategic plans focused on DEI efforts and ensure that all voices are included in decision-making.

Resources

We are committed to supporting all members of our materials community. Discover University-wide resources and helpful information specific to McCormick and the MSE Department. 

Updates

View news, events, and milestones connected to our DEI initiatives.

Feedback

Do you have suggestions for the department's DEI efforts? Please reach out to a member of the DEI Committee or use our anonymous feedback form to share your thoughts.