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Inclusive Science Initiative
Develop Strategies
Integrate a student’s cultural identity with a scientific identity.
Faculty Mentoring
Educate students from a greater diversity of backgrounds.
Conduct Research
Learn what factors enhance a student's motivation.
The University of South Dakota is one of only 24 universities nationwide chosen for a five-year, $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to bring more diverse people into the study of science. USD’s Inclusive Science Initiative is aimed at recruiting more minority and underrepresented groups to major in science fields. The program will identify the unique challenges these students face when pursuing a science degree and will seek to adapt instruction to better meet their needs.
Bringing more diverse students into science majors will ensure that more communities will be represented among the researchers and health practitioners in the region.
The Inclusive Science Initiative will focus on three areas:
- Mentor faculty on how to educate students from a greater diversity of backgrounds.
- Develop strategies that integrate a student’s cultural identity with a scientific identity.
- Conduct research to determine the factors that impact a student’s motivation to choose and remain in a science major
The USD Inclusive Science Initiative is supported by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative.
Inclusive Science Initiative in the news
USD Chapter of American Indian Science and Engineering Society Recognized for Service and Outreach
The University of South Dakota’s chapter of the national American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has been recognized as the 2017 Chapter of the Year for Outreach and Community Service.
Frank LaMere visits USD
During Native American Heritage month LaMere visited USD to discuss his long fought legal battle in Whiteclay, Nebraska.
USD Wins $1 Million to Enhance Diversity in the Sciences
The University of South Dakota has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) as part of their Inclusive Science Initiative to enhance the participation and retention of underrepresented minorities in the natural sciences.
