In the Coastal Fisheries Ecology (CFE) Lab, we strive to foster an inclusive environment where all members of the lab are able to bring their authentic selves into their work. Diversity strengthens and enriches our community of learning and we welcome people of all backgrounds and identities, including race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, faith/religion, sexual orientation, familial status, ability, and socioeconomic background. We recognize that diversity extends beyond these categories; though these may be important attributes of our identities, who we are is multifaceted and complex. A diversity of voices, perspectives, and thought is critical to the work we do as researchers because it allows us to understand and solve problems in innovative ways. We strive to build an inclusive team, recognize that individuals face different obstacles to achieve the same goals, and address inequities to the best of our abilities.

• We affirm and support each other and give credit where it’s due by recognizing the origin of good ideas.
• We attempt to identify our own implicit biases³ to diminish their impact on our personal and professional lives.
• We aim to recognize our own privilege⁴ to increase self-awareness about our societal advantages and to counteract resulting power imbalances whenever possible.
• We advocate for one another, strive to minimize systemic injustices, and actively seek out opportunities for underrepresented minorities in fisheries⁵.
• We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind.

This statement was created collaboratively in Feb-Mar 2019 by all members of the CFE Lab to reflect our core values regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and to guide our actions. It is intended to be a living statement that can be updated over time. Prospective students and collaborators are welcome to contact any team members with questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the lab.

¹ Asai D. 2019. To learn inclusion skills, make it personal. Nature 565: 537. Link to full text.
² Puritty C, et al. 2017. Without inclusion, diversity initiatives may not be enough. Science 357(6356): 1101-1102. Link to full text.
³ Project Implicit. This site includes tools to help identify our own implicit biases.
⁴ Ebitt, K. 27 February 2015. Why it’s important to think about privilege – and why it’s hard. Link to full text.
⁵ Arismendi I, Penaluna BE. 2016. Examining diversity inequities in fisheries science: A call to action. BioScience 66: 584–591. Link to full text.

• First Alaskans Institute
• Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
• Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance
• University of Alaska Fairbanks, Nanook Diversity and Action Center
  • Green Dot
  • Safe Zone
• University of Alaska Southeast, Native and Rural Student Center
• Western Division of the American Fisheries Society, Diversity and Inclusion Committee