The SMBLab is committed to improving the gender and representation of underserved populations in STEM fields. Specifically, women (~20%), first-generation college students, minorities (~12%), and students with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in Physics. To revert this bias, the SMBLab is actively recruiting and mentoring women in physics and other underrepresented minorities in STEM with a track record of mentoring underrepresented minorities and women in physics at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The SMBLab diversity plan tackles the active recruitment, retention, and professional development of students and postdocs from underrepresented groups, including women in physics, men of color, LatinX, and first-generation college students. To accomplish these goals, the SMBLab partners with institutions in Latin-American (UNAM, Tec de Monterrey, Universidad de Guadalajara, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, and Universidad de Chile). In conjunction with the Commission of Latino Affairs at Clemson University, we have developed a strategic plan that focuses on fostering a better climate and improving recruitment, retention, and mentoring practices.