Dr. Mažeika Sullivan, a faculty member in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University has recently been appointed to lead a new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Task Force for the Society of Freshwater Science (SFS).
This initiative aims to break down barriers for underrepresented groups through a set of intentional and clear actions such as establishing long-term relationships with minority-serving institutions; increasing authorship opportunities for underrepresented scientists; developing a Diversity Mentor program; instituting a JEDI training program for all SFS members; increasing the Society's international profile/membership; and reviewing business practices to increase support of minority-owned businesses. The JEDI Task Force will to work quickly to effect "rapid evolution" in SFS around JEDI issues. Dr. Sullivan was selected to lead this initiative because of his effective and long-term work in broadening participation in science.