MatSE is dedicated to building an inclusive culture that warmly welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. As a top-ranked program, we thrive on the partnerships between faculty, staff, students, and researchers that promote a well-rounded academic experience and generate innovative research opportunities. Our goal is to foster a diverse community that encourages collaboration, belonging, academic success, and research excellence. We believe that by embracing diversity and inclusion, we can create an environment where everyone can flourish and make significant contributions.
We believe in offering an accessible and world-class educational experience to every student in MatSE. Today, our focus is on creating equity, eliminating opportunity gaps, building a “Materials” community, and addressing some of the world's most challenging social issues.
Several times throughout the year, the MatSE Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee offers events or partners with other organizations on campus to offer events to students, faculty, and staff. A few of this past year’s events included a trip to the Palmer Museum for a tour highlighting black artists, a celebration of all cultures that observe the Lunar New Year, and a luncheon at the Materials Reach Institute honoring the legacy of women in materials and engineering at Penn State.
Another initiative that MatSE is proud to be a part of is the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) Rainbow Network. We believe that the best science emerges when our researchers can bring their whole selves to the team. The Rainbow EMS Network fosters a fully inclusive environment in our research groups and identifies research groups that have received advanced training in LGBTQ issues through the Safer People Safer Places Network at Penn State.
