Stepping up in STEM: THRIVE@ECU Fall Events

Change Culture. Build Support. Remove Barriers.

Published Sep 13, 2021 by
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After a successful launch last spring, THRIVE@ECU has planned a semester packed with learning opportunities! Please download our Fall 2021 Calendar. 

THRIVE@ECU addresses biases entrenched in faculty recruitment, hiring, and advancement. By implementing evidence-based strategies, THRIVE will change the institutional culture, build support systems, and change institutional structures to remove barriers and increase accountability. These efforts will empower all ECU women to reach their highest potential and thrive. 

Community Building in STEM

The semester will kick off with the launch of our Community Building in STEM series co-hosted by STEM colleges.  As PI Danell noted, “Even at a university as large and diverse as ours, I know we are united in our support of women in STEM.”  Drop by Bloxton House on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 1:30-2:30pm to enjoy a sweet treat and visit with faculty colleagues.  The first event in this series is co-hosted by Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences and Integrated Coastal Programs.

Opening Toast for Bloxton House (May 2021)

Picture a Scientist Screening

Following the community building event, join us on the lawn of the Main Campus Student Center to watch the film Picture a Scientist (Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 4pm).  The film chronicles the journey of three women scientists, shining the light on what it is like to be a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).  This second campus screening of the film is hosted by Graduate Women in Science, Women and Gender Office, and the Division of Research, Economic Development, and Engagement.  Unable to attend in person?  The film is also available through Joyner Library.

Picture a Scientist and panel discussion on the MCSC lawn (March 2021). (ECU Photo by Cliff Hollis)

How Allies and Advocates Can Help Women and Everyone THRIVE

A panel and discussion of the film will follow at STEM@Starlight: How Allies and Advocates Can Help Women and Everyone THRIVE in STEM.  The event will be held at Pitt Street Brewing on Monday, September 20, 2021 from 5-6:30pm.  Panelists include Dr. Ann Sperry (Professor, Anatomy & Cell Biology), Dr. Anne Spuches (Associate Professor, Chemistry), and Dr. Morgan Milton (Postdoctoral Scholar, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology). The panel will be moderated by our lead advocate, Dr. Andrew Morehead (Chair, Chemistry).  Participants are asked to view the film Picture a Scientist before attending. Please see details for screening above.

Community Learning Exchanges

To further shine the light on experiences of women and minority faculty, please join us for our Community Learning Exchanges (CLE). This series is designed to promote empathy and understanding, build a culture of inclusion, create systems of support, and support individual agency and generate collective action towards a more equitable campus. The first exchange, November 11, 2021, will highlight what it is like to be Queer in STEM.  All exchanges will be held at Bloxton House from 2-3:30pm.

Advocates and Allies Program

Are you interested in becoming an Ally or Advocate?  The Advocates and Allies program is based on the successful program developed at North Dakota State University. Learn more about the program here.  After two successful learning opportunities last spring — where over 50 men participated; Drs. Roger Green and Robert Gordon will return to ECU to offer an in-person professional development opportunity: Male Allies for Gender Equity.  The workshop will be held Thursday, November 4, 2021.  Registration information coming soon.

Stepping up in STEM Series

THRIVE@ECU is also excited to announce our new series: Stepping up in STEM.  The series will bring in women leaders in academia.

October 13, 2021 from 5-7pm (virtual): Establishing your executive presence. Dr. Sally Kornbluth serves as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Duke University. Dr. Kornbluth, a cell biologist, has held multiple NIH R01 grants during her scientific career at Duke University School of Medicine. She served as Vice Dean for Basic Science at Duke University School of Medicine prior to her appointment as Provost in 2014. Dr. Kornbluth will speak about her path to senior leadership positions at Duke University, addressing challenges and opportunities that women face. A panel discussion of ECU leaders will follow. Register HERE.

Dr. Sally Kornbluth

November 10, 2021 from 4-5:30pm: Arrive & THRIVE in Leadership. Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt is Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Brodbelt, an analytical chemist, is an active and accomplished researcher and mentor, serving as PI on dozens of NIH and NSF awards that have garnered upwards of $20M in extramural funding during her career. Dr. Brodbelt will speak about how her success in the research lab has supported her development and accomplishments as a leader in academia. A discussion among attendees will follow. Register HERE.

Dr. Jennifer Brodbelt