Diversity is essential to innovation. This well-worn sentiment bears repeating, followed by action. That's what we are doing here at the Jacobs School of Engineering.ÌýÌý
My goal is for every single student, faculty and staff member to succeed here at the Jacobs School. That's what equity means to me. Given the world we live in, the Jacobs School is paying particular attention to equity for Black students and faculty, and also more broadly to all students and faculty in traditionally underrepresented groups in engineering, including LatinX, Native Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ communities.Ìý
On Oct. 1, we launched theÌýÌýPart of the mission of this task force is to listen, to take a careful pulse of the culture of the school, and to understand what is working and what is not. From there, we develop action plans.Ìý
I am committed to seeing this through and doing what’s right. One first step to addressing equity issues is to really listen. It's unacceptable to be blind to the issues and claim to be faultless. Every engineer knows you can't solve a problem without first acknowledging it.
Diversity through Research Ethics
We must go beyond traditional definitions of how to conduct research in an ethical way. One important way to do this is to be sure we are supporting diverse voices and perspectives. Only in this way can we fully build trust and open communication within our Jacobs School research enterprise, and achieve the full set of goals for our Research Ethics work. I'm pleased to welcome structural engineering professor Jose Restrepo as the inaugural Faculty Director of theÌý. Professor Restrepo will build on momentum from the NSF-funded program at the Jacobs School entitled "."
Fall 2020: Vigilance and Care
Thank you to the campus leadership, and legions of people who are working to keep usÌý safe and productive. As we move through the Fall quarter, I urge everyone to stay informed. The Â鶹´«Ã½ÌýÌýwebsite has an incredible amount of important information, including testing and screening resources for our entire community, both on and off campus.Ìý
Institute for Materials Discovery and Design
On Sept. 29, we officially launched the Â鶹´«Ã½ÌýÌý(IMDD) and celebrated our NSF MRSEC (Materials Research Science and Engineering Center) at Â鶹´«Ã½. Through the materials scientists we educate, the advances we make, and the industry collaborations we build, we solve human problems through materials science. It's thrilling to be part of this world-leading group of materials scientists. Ìý
You make engineering matter
Engineering and computer science education and research matter more now than ever. I'd like to thank the Jacobs School staff and faculty for the incredible work that each of you doÌý— so much of it behind the scenes. Your efforts make all the difference.Ìý
Take care and stay safe. We are all in this together.Ìý
~Albert P. Pisano, Dean
Â鶹´«Ã½ Jacobs School of Engineering