View the Physics departmental action plan for our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative here
The Princeton University Department of Physics stands in solidarity with local, national, and global movements against systemic racism, which have been highlighted by the issue of police violence against Black people in the United States. We affirm that Black and Brown lives matter, and commit to ensuring that all members of our community feel valued and empowered to achieve their potential. We further commit to listening and learning from Black and Brown communities, and addressing how individuals, departments, and institutions systemically maintain and reify the oppression and exclusion of Black people and other people of color.
On June 10th, 2020, members of the Physics Department joined physicists and academics across the country for a Strike for Black Lives; a day for non-Black scientists “to engage in academia’s core mission to build a better society for everyone” by educating themselves and advocating for change in their communities. Discussions at a Department Town Hall held on June 10 illuminated the need for deliberate and consistent action to combat racism in our community.
To implement the concrete actions discussed at the Town Hall on Strike for Black Lives, we created the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Initiative. This Initiative has created six different working groups and tasked each one with immediately creating and implementing programs and policy changes that support and address the needs of marginalized physicists and students.
As the American public confronts the institutional racism of our nation, we recommit ourselves to listening to and supporting Black and Brown scholars and creating a department environment where they can thrive. We must work to support individuals with multiple identities who are discriminated against and excluded in our society, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, indigenous identity, and immigration status. We hope that our scholarship and daily actions will be part of a larger movement that forges an alliance to unite people around human dignity.
Signed by,
Herman Verlinde, Chair and Class of 1909 Professor of Physics
James D. Olsen, Associate Chair and Professor of Physics
William C. Jones, Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Physics
Lisa M. Scalice, Senior Department Manager
Friday, April 9 - Saturday, April 10, 2021
P4: Prospective Physics PhD Preview
Attention early-undergraduates interested in learning more about graduate school!
The Princeton Physics Department Ambassadors are hosting a 1.5-day virtual workshop with Princeton Physics faculty and grad students. We will focus on how to get involved with research, crafting grad school applications, and understanding life as a grad student. Registration details to be posted shortly.
Princeton University hosts Black History Month events that connect, educate and celebrate
In recognition of Black History Month, Princeton University is hosting virtual conversations, class, exhibits and educational resources that recognize the lives and achievements of Black people in the context of Princeton's and the country's history. All events will take place virtually. For a list of the Month's Black history-related programs, click here.
4 pm, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021
"The Campus Color Line" with author and UCLA professor Eddie R. Cole.
Cole will be in conversation with Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity Michele Minter, with an introduction by President Christopher L. Eisgruber. The conversation is co-sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity and the Office of Communications. Cole, an associate professor of higher education and organizational change at UCLA, will discuss his new book “The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom.” Focusing on the period between 1948 and 1968, the book illuminates the important role of college presidents — including Princeton’s Robert F. Goheen — in the unfinished struggle for racial equity in education and beyond. Registration is required to attend.
February 22 - 26, 2021
Black in Physics Wikithon
This event is dedicated to highlighting Black Physicists who have made lasting contributions to research, education, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. BlackInPhysics.org invites you to fill out this form to add Black individuals who you deem have contributed to our physics society and require a Wikipedia page; have a Wikipedia page that needs updating/expanding (i.e references, photos, links); have a Wikipedia page that requires translating to different languages. The work of increasing the Representation, Recruitment, and Retention of Black talent to the physics community requires active engagement not only from those that are underrepresented in physics but also from those individuals who identify as allies and are committed to changing the notion of what a physicist looks like. Please fill out this form to sign up to help. For more information: https://www.aip.org/diversity-initiatives/bhm-wikithon
4 pm (ET), Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021
Seminar Series on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
"The Time is Now: Findings from AIP's TEAM-UP Report to Increase the Number of African Americans with Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Astronomy" with speaker Tabbetha Dobbins (Rowan University).
Click to join the seminar: https://princeton.zoom.us/j/93511620775
Meeting ID: 935 1162 0775
TEAM-UP Implementation Workshops - American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Extended Deadline: December 11, 2020 5:00 pm (ET)
Apply to Participate in Implementation Workshops
As a next step to the launch of the AIP's successful report, The Time is Now: Systemic Changes to Increase African Americans with Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics & Astronomy, the TEAM-UP project is organizing two workshops, several months apart to help departments begin implementing the report’s recommendations. Additionally, the TEAM-UP project will work with departmental teams before and after the workshops to provide resources, support, and community engagement.
TEAM-UP Implementation Workshops:
Workshop 1 (virtual) – January 28-29, 2021
Workshop 2 – Dates TBD
Who Should Participate:
4 pm (ET), Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
Seminar Series on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Russ Porter, Christopher Stubbs, and Benita Wolff will share their collective experience in moving Harvard further along the path to fully inclusive excellence.
Register to receive the Zoom password: https://forms.gle/qr9jHReyTZYodte7A
Princeton Physics Graduate Admissions webinar
Monday, December 7, 2020
3 pm (EST). Join us for our second graduate admissions webinar! Open to any student considering physics graduate studies. To register, contact your region's Ambassador or fill out this form: http://ow.ly/LTfU50CBIpO. Click here for details about the Princeton Physics Ambassador Program.
Summer Internship through PICS (Princeton Internships in Civic Service)
Deadline: 5 pm (EST), Monday, December 7, 2020
Apply here: https://pics.princeton.edu/students#Critical%20Dates
These internships will be running in 2021! Options include education, public policy, and community development to name a few. Summary: PICS offers 8-10 week paid summer internships at nonprofit organizations across the United States and abroad. Paired with an alumni mentor, PICS students explore opportunities in research, energy policy, advocacy for marginalized communities, arts and cultural organizations, bridging educational achievement gap, service, environmental sustainability, and global health. Several PICS internships fulfill requirements of certificate programs. While PICS interns come from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of academic interests they are united in their desire to serve. Details: https://pics.princeton.edu/
Seminar Series on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 4 pm (ET)
Russ Porter, Christopher Stubbs, and Benita Wolf will share their collective experience in moving Harvard further along the path to fully inclusive excellence.
Register to receive the Zoom password: https://forms.gle/qr9jHReyTZYodte7A
EDI initiative "All Hands" Meeting
2 pm (ET), Thursday, December 3, 2020 (75 participants attended!)
All working groups should plan to present ~5-10 minutes of updates on their ongoing projects. We're looking forward to seeing you all then!
Physics Department Book Club
3:30 pm (EST), Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Join us for our inaugural book club (virtual) event. We will introduce the book "Einstein on Race and Racism" by Fred Jerome and Rodger Taylor.
https://princeton.zoom.us/j/94296404435 (Meeting ID: 942 9640 4435)
TEAM-UP Report: The TIME is Now — Charting a Course to 2030
2 pm - 4 pm, Friday, November 20, 2020
Registration: https://www.aps.org/programs/minorities/webinars/teamup.cfm
Sponsored by: American Physical Society, American Institute of Physics
The AIP National Task Force to Elevate African American Representation in Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy (TEAM-UP) released a report in early 2020 on their two-year study of the experiences of African American physics students. The report includes recommendations and a call to action for institutions, faculty, and students who are interested in supporting the success of African American undergraduates in physics.
In this third joint physics society webinar, panelists will speak of their two-year study on the experiences of African American physics students.
After attending, webinar attendees will take away a better understanding of:
The webinar will be hosted by APS CEO Dr. Kate Kirby and APS President-Elect S. James Gates, Jr. (Brown University, Ford Foundation Professor of Physics & Affiliate Professor of Mathematics).
Presenters:
The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
November 9-13, 2020
ABRCMS is one of the largest communities of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students attend this conference to present their research, enhance professional development skills, explore graduate schools, and network. Research faculty and program directors play an essential role in mentoring students and learning strategies for facilitating student success. Details: https://www.abrcms.org/
Last year, ABRCMS engaged 5300+ attendees through scientific and professional development sessions, student presentations and networking opportunities. This year, ABRCMS: The Virtual Experience will deliver timely and relevant content and activities tailored to the current times. You can expect the same ABRCMS conference you have come to love – with opportunities to learn, share and connect with peers and experts – in a socially distant format.
National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) Conference
November 5-8, 2020
Participation by Princeton Physics is coordinated by the Physics Graduate Recruitment Working Group and the Graduate School's ADI Team. Details: https://www.nsbp.org/2020-conference/2020-conference-home(link is external)
#BlackinPhysics Week
October 26-31, 2020
Seven topical days twill cover different aspects of physics. We will have professional and social events, as well as community-building activities on twitter. Each day will feature an article written by Black physicists regarding different aspects of our identities. Each of the following physics disciplines will have one day of #BlackInPhysics week dedicated to them: physics education research, high energy and astro- physics, AMO physics, condensed matter and materials physics, soft condensed matter physics, as well as nuclear and medical physics.
Details: blackinphysics.org
EDI Seminar Series
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020 at 4 pm (EST)
Speaker: Professor William Massey, the Edwin S. Wilsey Professor of Operations Research and Financial Engineering.
Join the seminar! https://princeton.zoom.us/j/94964613381
Prof. Wilsey will present a brief chronology for a near century historical interplay of the Black experience in the Princeton area with Princeton Physics (followed by Q&A).
Event hosted by the Dept. of Physics and Dept of Astrophysics; coordinated by the Physics EDI Activities and Speakers Working Group.
SACNAS - The National Diversity in STEM Virtual Conference
October 19-24, 2020 (online!) The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference serves to equip, empower and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. Event participation coordinated by the Princeton Graduate School ADI Team.
Conference Ambassador sign-up form: https://forms.gle/278Vu8THK6xK8Dhk8
Conference details: https://www.2020sacnas.org/#platformvideo 
Grad Life @ Princeton Physics
Friday, October 16, 2020
4 pm (EST). Are you considering applying to a physics graduate program? Did you know that you get paid to be a grad student? Ph.D. programs in STEM fields are full-time jobs with all the benefits: no tuition and getting paid to research and learn! With admissions season on the horizon, we know you’ve got questions about applications, grad life, and what it’s like to do graduate physics research.
Who: We’re the Princeton Physics Recruitment Ambassadors, you’re the budding young physicist!
What: A Zoom webinar where we’ll talk about graduate life, applications, and research at Princeton. Pro-tip: don’t miss the special (read, optional) break-out session with your region’s ambassador following the main event!
Where: Join Zoom Meeting: https://princeton.zoom.us/j/95143456987(link is external)
Why: Because you care about physics, and we care that you care about physics. This event is for everyone, and we want to provide as much transparency as we can! We especially welcome students from historically-underrepresented groups to join our event. This seminar is open to all U.S. and international students and prospective applicants (do not have to be affiliated with Princeton to attend). This event was organized by the Princeton Physics EDI Initiative.
Prospective Ph.D. Preview (P3)
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020
2 pm - 4:50 pm (EST). Breakout sections will include current faculty members and graduate students from Physics/Astro/PPPL. P3 is designed for prospective students to gather information on graduate education at Princeton University. This event is open to any interested students and highly encourages participation from first generation/low income students and historically underrepresented groups. Participation is invitation only. Applications for the 2021 program will open in Spring 2021: Details: https://graddiversity.princeton.edu/prospective-phd-preview-p3. Event participation coordinated by the EDI Graduate Recruitment Working Group, Physics/Astro/PPPL departments, and the Princeton Graduate School ADI Team.
EDI Seminar Series
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020 at 4 pm (EST)
Speaker: Shawn Maxam, Senior Associate Director for Institutional Diveristy and Inclusion in Princeton's Office of the Provost. The session provided an overview of best practices and strategies for enhancing racial diversity and representation. Coordinated by the Physics EDI Activities & Speakers Working Group, and the Physics and Astrophysics Departments. Event coordinated by the Physics EDI Activities and Speakers Working Group.
Physics EDI "All-Hands" General Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020
All those affiliated with the Princeton Physics community (undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, staff, researchers, and faculty) are welcome to attend. The EDI strives for transparency and always welcomes new members, however, you do not have to be involved with EDI to attend.
Physics Graduate Recruitment Town Hall meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020
Physics Town Hall meeting #2
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Physics Town Hall meeting #1
Thursday, April 30, 2020
The EDI working groups welcome all members of the Department of Physics (students, faculty and staff). We currently have ~50 members! Please contact us at physicsedi@princeton.edu.
Cultural and Affinity Groups at Princeton(link is external)(link is external)
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) National Task Force to Elevate African American Representation in Undergraduate Physics & Astronomy (TEAM-UP(link is external)(link is external)) has spent the last two years investigating the reasons for the persistent underrepresentation of African Americans in physics and has released a report with its findings. In this report, TEAM-UP has uncovered long-term systemic issues within the physics and astronomy communities that contribute to the underrepresentation of African Americans in these fields and makes important, actionable recommendations for community wide efforts to reverse this trend.
The American Physical Society (APS) Board Statement on Racial Violence(link is external)(link is external): Physics flourishes best when physicists can work in an environment of safety, justice, and equity. Therefore, all of us must work vigorously against systemic racism and to overcome implicit biases. The Board of the American Physical Society believes that it is timely to reaffirm the importance of building a diverse and inclusive physics community, as expressed in the APS Joint Diversity Statement(link is external)(link is external) (Human Rights 08.2). The Board expresses deep concern over incidents of racially biased violence and threats of violence against people of color.
