Committing to Inclusive Diversity with Equity, Access and Accountability (IDEAA)
ASM recognizes that more must be done to elevate and advance inclusive diversity for Black scientists across the fields of STEM. We are committed to facilitating open dialogue and taking action to eradicate barriers to inclusive diversity in STEM, especially in the field of microbiology. Toward this goal, ASM is leading a NSF-funded project, MicroBio-LEAP, that will train leaders to embody inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA) and promote sustained cultural change in the microbial sciences to make the field more welcoming of individuals belonging to historically excluded groups (HEGs).
MicroBio-LEAP is just one of the various activities dedicated to IDEAA in microbiology. We invite you to review the IDEAA Strategy, which outlines our plans to address gaps in diverse representation, equitable contribution and accessible opportunities for the broader microbial sciences community.
Remembering a Legacy: Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller
A. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D., distinguished virologist, science communicator, bioethicist and public health advocate, was a trailblazer who forged new paths for combining science and community outreach.
The Spirit of Juneteenth: The Freedom to Self-Determine
Learn about the significance of Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation, Emancipation Park, land ownership and how Black scientists and historians embody Juneteenth’s spirit of self-determination.
A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Frederick D. Patterson
Frederick D. Patterson’s extraordinary contributions as a higher education and civil rights leader and intellectual giant continue to play a role in the lives of generations of microbiologists.
Embracing the Joy of Science: Spotlight on Paul Turner
Throughout his career, Paul Turner remembers to hold onto the joy and impact of science—a reminder that not only guides his own work, but also the students he mentors.
Community is Vital: Spotlight on Eva Davis
Eva Davis encourages fellow early-career scientists to stay true to themselves—even when it makes others uncomfortable—and, above all, to find their people.
Be Your Authentic Self in Science: Spotlight on Isola Brown
Isola Brown discusses the importance of bringing your authentic self to science and identifying the people in your life who can support you through moments of self-doubt.
mSphere of Influence: That’s Racist—COVID-19, Biological Determinism and the Limits of Hypotheses
Kishana Taylor works in the field of virology. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on the personal impact of “Racial Health Disparities and COVID-19—Caution and Context” by Merlin Chowkwanyun and Adolph L. Reed, Jr.
Improving Student Attitudes and Academic Performance in Introductory Biology Using a Project-Based Learning Community
BioArt, a learning community, was formed between introductory biology and introduction to graphic design courses to improve the attitudes and academic performance of students in the biology course at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The BioArt model incorporated a common theme, project-based learning, and opportunities for experiential learning.
Biographical Feature: William A. Hinton, M.D.
William Hinton, M.D., was a "brilliant scientist and educator" along with being a well-known clinical microbiologist. In 1997, ASM established the ASM William A. Hinton Award to commemorate his contributions to the field and to recognize outstanding contributions toward fostering the research training of scientists from historically underrepresented groups and increasing diversity in microbiology.
mSystems Thinking Series: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Microbiology
Michael Johnson, Ph.D., participated in the 2022 mSystems Thinking webinar series, where he highlighted the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) and its critical importance to undergraduates, filling a need that was previously unidentified.
Black Scientists Discuss Representation in the Microbial Sciences
Microbiologists reflect on the importance of representation in the microbial sciences and offer advice for early-career scientists.
Black Women Clinical Microbiologists in Historical and Contemporary Practice
Watch the February 2022 CPHM Virtual Journal Club session. In this webinar, subject-matter experts discuss 2 thought-provoking articles from ASM’s Journal of Clinical Microbiology® (JCM), as well as explore the stories and contributions of Black women clinical microbiologists in historical and contemporary practice. This webinar recording is free to members and non-members. ASM login is required.
ASM Proudly Sponsored Black In Micro Week 2023
ASM proudly sponsored Black In Micro Week 2023, Oct. 23-Oct. 26. #BlackinMicroWeek is a free, online conference organized by the Black Microbiologists Association (BMA). Last year’s programming features several networking opportunities and live sessions.
Get Involved at ASM
Interested in becoming involved with ASM’s DEI efforts?
- Explore opportunities to volunteer for ASM’s IDEAA web writing team.
- Volunteer as a Microbe Program Committee member or track leader.
- Apply to our open calls for ASM Journals editors.