Alliance for Diversity in Science & Engineering
The mission of the Alliance for Diversity in Science and Engineering (ADSE) chapter at the University of Rochester is to increase the representation and visibility of underrepresented groups (women, people of African descent, Latinos/as, Native Americans, members of the LGBTQA community, people with disabilities, and DREAMers) in the STEM fields.
The UR ADSE chapter will serve as a platform for the scholarship and professional development of underrepresented students in the pursuit of advanced degrees and careers in STEM.
Our goals are to connect scientists across our campus, showcase non-traditional career paths and minority experiences in academia, industry, government, and to educate students at all levels about opportunities in STEM.
Get involved
2020 Executive Board and New Members
Adrian Moises Molina Vargas
Social Media Chair, GSS Representative
Graduate Student
Biomedical Genetics
Briaunna Minor
Microbiology and Immunology Representative
MD PhD Candidate
Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology
Testimonials
Responses were for the following question: Why is having an organization, like ADSE, that advocates for the representation and visibility of underrepresented minority students in STEM important to you as a graduate or postdoctoral student at UR? Check out some of the responses and testimonials below.
“As an administrator, it is very important to me to see support and resources for ALL of our students. This is especially important when our faculty and administrators don’t yet reflect the diversity we currently have and strive for in our student body.” —Anonymous
“Having a professional platform for students helps convey the thoughts of the diverse community; helps empower the community; and helps us be heard against issues relating to social justice, access to knowledge, etc. Plus it provides a platform for students to connect with each other.” —Research technician, biomedical engineering
“10/10 love this organization already!”—Graduate student (M.S.)
“ADSE is dope. Keep doin’ wut y’all doin.”—PhD student, toxicology
“ADSE is a wonderful platform to meet other people from underrepresented locations. Hope to have more of such meetings.”—Anonymous
“We believe that ADSE is important because it allows underrepresented graduate students to have a voice. It also will contribute to increasing diversity and inclusion on this campus. As undergraduate students, it is enlightening to see that there is a network of dedicated minority students who would like to change the system at hand. organizations like this could only improve our ever better community!”—Biomedical engineering undergraduate students, Class of 2019
“I’m a woman of color in STEM. I grew up attending predominantly white schools all of my life. I was the only person of color in each and every one of my classes from first grade to 11th. I attended an engineering program at a PWI where again the ratio of people of color to caucasian people was extremely small. If it wasn’t for the Center for Diversity and Engineering at my undergrad, I wouldn’t have received the same support, gotten the same opportunities, met other culturally and racially diverse members of the engineering community. So I know all too well the value and the importance that having an outlet that supports diversity among the University provides. The country is a melting pot, and there’s no reason why our community here among faculty, staff and students should reflect that and provide the resources that benefit us all.”—Environmental medicine PhD candidate
“This would be a great way to meet and develop with other students that have a similar background to myself. This is so amazing that UR has this kind of support for the students!”—Aspiring PhD student
“This would be a great way know the community.”—Biomedical engineering PhD