UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Through events, education and actions, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at Penn State is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity in the field so that the next generation of experts tasked with creating and improving materials incorporates all perspectives.
To help support the commitment to diversity, the department — in conjunction with its anniversary — established the 115th Anniversary Materials Science and Engineering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund. The fund will be used to support engagement opportunities, inclusive social events, and visits from guest speakers to help enhance diversity education and create a sense of belonging.
“An integral part of our mission is our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects — and we’re turning to our alumni and friends to help make this vision a reality,” said Susan Sinnott, head and professor of materials science and engineering and chemistry. “This fund will support our goal to create a more inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and researchers of all backgrounds. Once fully funded, this endowment will ensure that our commitment to inclusivity will last in perpetuity, and contributions of any size will help us to meet our goal.”
Sinnott said it’s important to offer an accessible and world-class educational experience to every student in MatSE. The department is committed to creating equity, eliminating opportunity gaps, building a materials community and addressing some of the world’s most challenging social issues.
Initially kicked off in fall 2022, this effort will continue through the end of 2023. Gifts received will be recognized on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) section of the MatSE website and a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the department. Several alumni have supported the fund.
Paul Robertson, a 1971 graduate in ceramic science and member of the of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ (EMS) Development Council, said he was inspired to help establish the fund after fellow members of the council detailed strides the college had made in improving DEIB.
Similarly, Melissa Hockstad, president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute who earned her master’s degree in materials science and engineering in 1998, said she supported the fund to help MatSE continue to make gains.
“I am honored to help establish the fund and its focus on community, collaboration, academics and research success,” Hockstad said. “I applaud MatSE with its continued commitment to excellence and recognition that our differences make us stronger.”
Already, the department has made various efforts to improve diversity in engineering. Several times throughout the year, the MatSE DEIB Committee offers events or partners with other organizations on campus to offer events to students, faculty and staff. Past events include a trip to the Palmer Museum for a tour highlighting Black artists, a celebration of all cultures that observe the Lunar New Year and a luncheon at the Materials Reach Institute honoring the legacy of women in materials and engineering at Penn State.
MatSE is also part of EMS’ Rainbow Network, which fosters a fully inclusive environment for research groups and identifies groups that have received advanced training in LGBTQ issues through the Safer People Safer Places Network at Penn State.
“Our department has made a significant mark on the field of materials science and engineering over the past 115 years, and for the future, we are committed to educating students of all backgrounds as we collectively innovate and work on the materials that matter,” Sinnott said.
Those who are interested in supporting the DEI fund can visit the Giving to Penn State webpage.
Donors to the 115th Anniversary Materials Science and Engineering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund will advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.