Durable strategies to adapt to global change must center people and justice. Systemic barriers to access to scientific training, the science needed to inform decisions, and a role in the decision making process have created inequities in who gets to do science, what topics get addressed through research, and who benefits from science. Our lab is committed to addressing these inequities in all aspects of our work.

Notable initiatives

INCLUSIVE MENTORSHIP

Mentorship in the Kroeker lab recognizes the whole person. We try to break down the hidden curriculum (the professional and cultural norms and expectations that are often not addressed in formal training) and create a sense of community, from our postdocs and graduate students to our undergraduate students. We regularly host undergraduate mentees through CAMINO, as well as directly through our website.

FIELD EXPERIENCE IN MARINE ECOLOGY

Research has shown that authentic field and research experience can improve retention of underrepresented demographic groups in ecology and evolutionary biology. Majors in marine biology lag far behind other disciplines in their inequities. In the Kroeker Lab, we focus on providing authentic field experiences for students. In addition, we are developing and delivering an introductory field course focused on field experience in marine ecosytems. We will study the effects of different field experiences on students desire to pursue a career in marine biology and build skills in scientific diving.

REDUCING BARRIERS IN SCIENTIFIC DIVING

Scientific diving is an important tool in marine ecology, and UC Santa Cruz has one of the best scientific diving programs in the country. But there are barriers to access to scientific diving, including the financial costs, a lack of representation amongst scientific divers, and a cultural landscape that can feel challenging to navigate. UC Santa Cruz now has a gear loan program and introductory courses offered through the Recreation Program that greatly diminishes the costs of training. In addition, we are working to provide a welcoming space in scientific diving courses and our program and inclusive mentorship of our students. Come talk to us about scientific diving if you are interested - we would love to help!

RESEARCH CODEVELOPMENT

Research in the Kroeker Lab often focuses on issues that matter to people. We work closely with community partners to design research that is scientifically exciting and addresses questions our partners want to know!