The Center for Inclusion & Social Change is supporting a campus-wide LGBTQ+ faculty visibility campaign, initiated and co-hosted by Out in STEM@CU Boulder, a group of LGBTQ+ students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Campus climate and retention data show that LGBTQ+ students are at a disproportionate risk for dropping out of CU Boulder. Research shows that having out, visible faculty and other STEM community members can improve students’ sense of belonging and inclusion. The website resource will promote visibility, community and pride for the LGBTQ+ community in the STEM fields. If you would like to be a part of the visibility campaign, please complete the form below, faculty, staff, postdocs and graduate students are welcome to apply. A headshot or photo is encouraged but not required. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact cisc@colorado.edu or call 303-492-2966.
We look forward to your involvement with our growing community.
Out and Allied Participants
Tessa Gorte (she, her, hers): Researcher, Atomospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC), researching ice sheets and climate, Advocate and ally
How have you contributed to supporting people of diverse genders and sexualities?
I am a member of WiSE (Women in Science) and am actively involved in the Inclusive Excellence Committee for ATOC.
My message to you: You are more than just welcome here, you belong.
Fun fact: I spend almost all of my free time with my dogs!
Kei/Kay Wong (they, them, theirs): Student, electrical engineering, power electronics, LGBTQ+
How has your gender identity and/or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
Being a queer in an underrepresented group not known for their acceptance of LGBTQ has strengthened my resolve to advocate for myself.
My message to you: You are not alone, and you don’t have to be afraid.
Fun fact: I have been to Japan for a total of three weeks.
Ash Mechtley (they, them, theirs): SOA engineer, systems administration, LGBTQ+
How have you contributed to supporting people of diverse genders and sexualities?
I have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the trans community through drag performances.
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
I work in the CU Systems Adminstration and am out as transgender.
My message to you: Being yourself paves the way for others. Being out when you don’t have to be is a form of activism. You are not alone.
Fun fact: I have a PhD in computational science from ASU.
Ken Anderson (he, him, his): Professor and Chair, Department of Computer Sciences; Associate Dean for Education, College of Engineering & Applied Sciences; advocate and ally
How have you contributed in supporting people of diverse genders and sexualities?
I advocate for policy that supports equality for LGBTQ+ rights both personally and professionally.
My message to you: You are welcome here and we want you to succeed!
Fun fact: I once gave Ella Fitzgerald a kiss on the cheek!
Mark Gross (he, him, his): Professor, Computer Science department; Director, Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS); advocate and ally
How have you contributedd to supporting people of diverse genders and sexualities?
As director I work to maintain the ATLAS Institute at CU Boulder and ensure it is a welcoming space for all.
My message to you: ATLAS labs and academic programs invite you to work and play with us.
Fun fact: Spun out a robot toy company from my lab.
Meredith Betterton (she, her, hers): Physics professor, LGBTQ+
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
Being a queer woman in physics has been challenging.
My message to you: Seek big challenges, find supportive peers and mentors and don’t give up.
Fun fact: I love to rock climb.
Aisha Nammari: LASP Electrical Engineering Group, LGBTQ+
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
My gender identity has really pushed me to get more involved with improving things for everyone in my department.
My message to you:
I think it is important to speak up if things don’t feel right. If you don’t say something, things may never improve.
Benjamin Pollard (he, him, his): Postdoc in Physics Education Research, LGBTQ+
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
My sexuality has helped me understand toxic aspects of STEM culture.
My message to you:
Be on the lookout for friends and support in unexpected places.
Fun fact:
I play bassoon in orchestras and chamber groups.
Caitlin Cash (they, them, theirs): Student, LGBTQ+, advocate
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
There are extremely few openly nonbinary people in physics, even at the undergraduate level. I am constantly aware of how my identity in physics caters to the LGBTQ community (especially the trans and nonbinary communities).
My message to you: STEM can and must include people of diverse genders and sexualities.
Fun fact: I spent a year between undergrad and grad school working in a specialty bakery.
Mary Spirio (she, her, hers): Assistant Director, GoldShirt Program, The BOLD Center, advocate
My message to you: In this very large world of ours, it is important to connect with people who love you, treat you with respect and who celebrate the beautiful person you are.
Fun fact: At the age of 51, I was fortunate to finish my master's in a degree program located in three different European countries: Scotland, Malta and Estonia. It was fantastic!
Desi Beardmore (they, them, theirs): Graduate student, Civil Engineering: Construction Engineering Management and Global Engineering; LGBTQ+
How has your gender identity or sexuality shaped who you are as a member of the STEM community?
I identify as a transgender, polysexual, biracial, person with a disability. My identity has led to me having deep compassion and empathy for other minorities in the STEM community. I have some very difficult obstacles that I have had to overcome during my journey. At times I have felt continuing would be pointless but I had amazing mentors to encourage me. I am currently a graduate student and have been a teaching assistant for three courses. Nothing could make me happier than when students have confided in me and talked through their struggles with me. These experiences have led me to pursue becoming a professor in civil engineering. I would love to see more LGBTQIA representation in positions of leadership.
My message to you: You are not an impostor! You are welcome. You are worthy. When you encounter barriers you have friends here that will fight alongside you to overcome them.