Outreach
Research Opportunity for Boston-area Community College Students: We are continuing our virtual research experience that leverages the computational modules to teach students to use modern computational chemistry software for authentic research experiences, which runs June 15-July 31, 2023. The summer research experience will span 6-weeks and will feature three phases: I) Background information & exercises via modules (3 weeks), II) Research (5 weeks), and III) Presentation skills (2 weeks and throughout). This opportunity is unique because it will ultimately allow undergraduates from across New England to gain a unique research experience without needing to leave home! We have 6 students joining us this year from across the United States. This reduces the significant barriers to research facing CC students and is adaptable in the face of our current global pandemic.
Solidarity Statement: The Lopez group stands in solidarity with our Black colleagues, friends, and families. We, too, are enraged by the murders of Black Americans like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We, too, are sick of the systemic racism that permeates every aspect of our society. It is time for change. It was time for change centuries ago. We support police reform legislation to end the racially motivated targeting of persons of color by police and suppression by institutions across the country. Additionally, we recognize the racial bias that occurs in the scientific community and we are a proud supporter of the Northeastern chapter of the Alliance for Diversity in Science in Engineering, NOBCChE, and SACNAS. We also support student organizations that seek and welcome diversity on campus, and urge everyone to hear their experiences and learn from their programming, however uncomfortable or painful it might be. The Lopez Lab will continue to create a safe environment where we will treat each person fairly no matter their race. We are open to all perspectives and experiences.
We encourage you to join us in educating ourselves on these issues and taking actions to make a difference. Here are some resources that our group is taking advantage of:
- The NYT Daily podcast on “The Systems that Protect the Police”, “Why They’re Protesting” and more
- SLJ article On Being Comfortable with Discomfort: Tiffany Jewell Explains What It Means To Be Anti-racist
- Washington Post article on what it means to defund the police and email templates to government officials to defund the police
- This list of petitions to sign
- Much more at https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co
The Lopez group is a proud supporter of the Alliance for Diversity in Science and Engineering (ADSE). ADSE is a national non-profit organization committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, while providing leadership opportunities for graduate students across the United States. Professor Lopez is the faculty advisor for the ADSE@NEU chapter and the Director of the national organization. The leadership team is developing deep connections with Boston-area colleges and communities. More information about ADSE can be found at www.allianceinscience.org or Twitter (@adse_national).
ADSE@NEU HOSTS PROF. ELENA JAKUBIKOVA: APRIL 18, 2019
