WHY DOES CISTAR HAVE AN INCLUSION PILLAR?

Ever since the beginning when the National Science Foundation began funding Engineering Research Centers in 1985, it was decided that part of the mission of an ERC would be to help to diversify the engineering and related science fields.  The research evidence was growing for how diversity—which brings more divergent and innovative thinking to a group—is critical for helping to solve the big problems facing our world (i.e., in CISTAR’s case, findings safer and more environmentally responsible ways to use U.S. hydrocarbon resources). 

WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY THAT CISTAR IS AN INCLUSIVE CENTER?

At CISTAR, we want all members of our center – CISTAR fellows (graduate and undergraduate students), CISTAR faculty, and CISTAR staff – to feel included so they are more likely to stay and be successful. An inclusive center at CISTAR means: 

• IDENTIFICATION

  • "I identify with CISTAR; It is an important part of who I am professionally."

• COMMITMENT

  • "I feel committed to CISTAR; I can, and want to succeed." 

• INTERCONNECTED

  • "I feel interconnected to the people in CISTAR; I am part of the group."

• CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE - UNDERSTANDING 

  • "I understand CISTAR's workplace culture."

• CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE - FIT 

  • "I feel that I fit in with CISTAR's workplace culture."

STRATEGIES TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOAL

Mechanisms to achieve our goal include the six factors in the circular figure:  collaborate and leverage resources already in place at our five universities, other ERCs, and other types of centers; value mentor programs and networks, reward those helping to achieve our goals, responsibly assess our activities, and disseminate findings to share lessons learned.