Diversity

The MIT Mathematics Department places great value on the diversity of its faculty and students and is continually working to increase the number of women and under-represented minorities (URM) in our community. To meet this challenge we are developing programs, increasing awareness and providing additional academic support to encourage more participation from under-represented groups. By paying attention to all levels of the academic ladder we hope to encourage a broader group of students to continue study in Mathematics.

Visit MIT's diversity and inclusion website "Inventing Our Future" for current initiatives and first hand experiences at MIT.

Seminars

To encourage more URM speakers in Mathematics seminars, the Department will fund the travel expenses for URM speakers who are brought to campus by any math seminar series organizer or math student association.

Special Lectures

In Spring of 2010, William Yslas Vélez, former President of the Society for Advancing Chicanos, Hispanics and Native Americans in Science and Distinguished Professor from University of Arizona, spoke at MIT about the challenges of increasing diversity of the mathematics field. Read More

Diversity Advisory Committee

The Department has established a new faculty committee that will plan, execute, and review the effectiveness of new diversity initiatives. The Diversity Advisory Committee consults with faculty, instructors, students and staff to pinpoint opportunities for expanding diversity. Committee members are Professor Ruben Rosales (chair), Assistant Professor Mark Behrens, CLE Moore Instructor Stephen Kleene, Professor David Vogan, Shirley Entzminger, and Sarah Smith.

URM Conference Participation

The Department supports participation in the following conferences and will send representatives to them. Members of the Department who would like to attend one of these conferences should speak with Diversity Committee Chair Ruben Rosales.

  • Society for Advancing Chicanos, Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

    SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists from college students to professionals in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership. Recently, one of our staff attended the Brandeis SACNAS chapter meetings on April 24th, which focused on mentoring, and included lectures for both faculty & industry mentors and students.
    National Conference: October 11 - October 14, 2012, Seattle WA.

  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

    AISES is geared to increasing the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in engineering, science and other related technology disciplines.
    National Conference: November 1 - 3, 2012, Anchorage Alaska.

  • National Association of Mathematicians (NAM)

    NAM promotes excellence in the mathematical sciences and the mathematical development of underrepresented American minorities.
    National Conference: April, 2012 (dates TBA)
    Undergraduate MathFEST Conference: August 2-4, 2012, Madison, WI