CERF 2023 Workshop

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Fostering Inclusive Fieldwork Experiences

Sunday, 12 November, 2023 

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM


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About This Workshop

Across all disciplines, fieldwork can present unique challenges, such as working in remote locations or sharing accommodations. Whether you’ve recently entered the field, or you’re managing large research groups, this workshop is for you! This two-hour panel and breakout discussion will cover best practices for fostering inclusive and safe field experiences among researchers and students of all identities. Topics will include field safety considerations; physical and financial access to field environments; accessible field equipment and attire; fostering an open and safe culture of dialog about concerns in the field; and potential steps for furthering inclusivity in your own work. To enrich our breakout discussions, attendees are asked to come prepared with a few examples of positive fieldwork experiences and/or successful strategies for enhancing inclusive fieldwork. Following the workshop, hosts will compile a resources document including main takeaways from panelists and breakout discussions to be shared with all participants.


About the Presenters

Erin Peck

Erin Peck (she/her) studies salt marsh sediment dynamics as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) postdoctoral researcher at the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center in Amherst, MA.

Michelle Woods

Michelle Woods (she/her) is Life Scientist with the U.S. EPA (Region 5) in Chicago, IL. She primarily evaluates water quality standards and rules under the Clean Water Act, provides field and technical support to R5 States and Tribes, and leads a Participatory Science work group among interested volunteer monitoring programs in the region.

Serina Wittyngham

 

Serina Wittyngham (she/her) is a coastal plant ecologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, VA.