Symposium
Career Track
Teresa Mourad
Director, Education and Diversity Programs
Ecological Society of America
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Given the eclectic nature of ecology spanning a multitude of organisms and their environments; its applications to conservation and management; and its ties to other branches of science such as geoscience, data science, and social science, it is no surprise that undergraduate ecology students are often unaware of the diversity of career options available to them. Lacking a clear vocational pathway for those interested in ecology, career discovery is highly dependent on a connection to a “good” adviser or mentor, i.e. a person who is knowledgeable, well-connected, and available to advise. The serendipitous nature of career discovery raises concerns about equity in access to jobs and opportunities for minority students and others underrepresented in ecology due to cultural mismatches between students and potential advisers/mentors.
This symposium will present and synthesize an integrated set of key ideas around the role of employers, mentors, and program managers for effective and inclusive career discovery, advising and retention across all sectors - academic, business, community, government, nonprofit - in the 21st century, drawing from a depth of experience based on several programs managed by ESA.
The symposium will discuss findings from four programs: 1) The Scientists in Parks (SIP) program draws more than 7000 applicants each year for up to 250 internships at National Parks sites and offers Direct Hire Authority. Outcomes data show the program has effectively helped develop strong candidates for science careers.2) The ESA SEEDS program that annually serves between 70-100 underrepresented minority students through field trips to ecologically significant sites, leadership meetings and undergraduate fellowships and travel awards to the ESA annual meeting. Among SEEDS alumni, we have seen a persistence rate of 80% graduating with at least one degree in ecology or an ecology-related field.3) The Indigenous voices project to support indigenous scholars through a collaborative process has resulted in an increased interest among indigenous scholars participating in the ecology community. Preliminary data indicate much more can be done in supporting indigenous scholarship and leadership. 4) The collective impact approach for inclusive mentoring and workforce development through the EcologyPlus alliance has led to a 94% awareness and participation in professional networks among participants compared to 55% at the beginning of the program. Importance and Interest to ESA members. This symposium will facilitate understanding of key dynamics at play at the individual, community and workforce ecosystem levels that foster inclusive engagement and career pathways for all.
Presenting Author: Jessica M. Johnston – Ecological Society of America
Presenting Author: Fred Abbott – Ecological Society of America
Presenting Author: Jessie Ribera – Ecological Society of America
Presenting Author: Teresa M. Mourad – Ecological Society of America
Co-author: George Middendorf, Ph.D. – Retired
Co-author: Eliza Gardiner – Measurement Resources Co.