MBL Friday Evening Lecture Series: “Blindspots to Inclusion in Environmental and Ocean Sciences” – Karlisa Callwood

Inclusivity is not easy, especially in spaces, like environmental and ocean sciences, where people of color have traditionally been excluded. Yet, despite high interest in these fields from underrepresented groups, particularly Black and/or African American communities, many environmental and ocean science programs and organizations struggle with diversifying their students, staff, and/or researchers. Additionally, in attempts to be diverse, they tend to focus more on filling quotas, instead of building equity and inclusion by being welcoming, learning to recognize their own biases, developing cultural awareness and/or competencies, or acknowledging, and addressing, the white supremacy culture that is pervasive throughout our institutions. It is up to all of us to create inclusion, but some have more work than others. This talk will explore some important lessons and considerations for creating more welcoming environmental and ocean science spaces, discuss why “white supremacy culture” is not a dirty word and exploring patterns you should be looking for, and share strategies for being authentic in this work and keeping yourself and your organizations accountable.

Karlisa Callwood is a marine scientist, educator, and science communicator who focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to evaluating fisheries and conservation management. With 20 years of experience developing and managing science education programming, her work ranges from community engagement and partnership development to leading and implementing DEAI initiatives across several organizations. Her interests include establishing practices to enhance STEM education for underserved communities; understanding the socio-economic factors that influence fishers’ decisions and prompt behavior changes; enhancing strategies to better bridge the gaps that exist between scientists, policymakers, and the public; and developing tools to facilitate DEAI transformations in cultural organizations. Callwood was also selected as a National Geographic Fellow for her work focused on understanding the role of subsistence fishing in building resilience in Bahamian communities during the pandemic. She currently serves as a lecturer for the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy at the University of Miami, as Director of the Community Conservation Education & Action Program at the Perry Institute for Marine Science, and as an Equity Consultant for several organizations. Callwood holds a Ph.D. in Ecosystem Science and Policy from the University of Miami.