NYU Ecosystem Hub launches to cross boundaries between the sciences and humanities

Last fall, NYU received a $1.25 million ADVANCE grant from the National Science Foundation aimed at enhancing the representation, career longevity, success and satisfaction of STEM women faculty, with a general focus on equity for all in STEM. 

On May 2, hard work on the part of the grant’s investigators resulted in the launch of a new initiative: the  NYU Ecosystem Hub. The hub is an idea foundry designed to cross boundaries between the sciences and humanities and create fertile ground to spark equity, creativity, and innovative thinking. 

Led by Tandon’s Herman F. Mark Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Director of Faculty Development Elisa Riedo, the team also includes Jin Montclare, a Tandon Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Nina Gray, Assistant Vice Provost for Research Planning and Analysis; Nathalie Felciai, Tandon's Associate Director of Faculty Development; Susan Antón, the Julius Silver, Roslyn S. Silver, and Enid Silver Winslow Professor and Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Faculty Development at the NYU College of Arts & Science (CAS); James Canary, CAS Professor of Chemistry; and Yao Wang, Tandon’s Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs. The Ecosystem managers are Dr. Laura Newman, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Anthropology at NYU, and Marina Panina, a recent Master’s graduate from NYU.

At the kickoff event, a panel discussion focused on the challenges faced by women in STEM research and leadership — as well as their strategies for success. The lively discussion ranged from NYU Tandon Dean Jelena Kovačević’s recollection of lessons learned when she flunked her first college exam to NYU Vice Provost for Research & Chief Research Officer Stacie Grossman Bloom’s advice that take-out meals can be a useful element of work-life balance. Other participants on the panel, which was moderated by Gray, included NYU Graduate School of Arts & Science Dean Lynne Kiorpes.

Now that the warm and festive launch event is over, the Ecosystem Hub is preparing a series of exciting events and initiatives, from the launch of the STEM leadership faculty academy to keynote speakers that cross the boundaries of science, arts and humanities.

Upcoming summer events include, a “Journey Into Movement,” a roundtable on “Emotional Labor: Disparities Among Genders at Work and Beyond,” and weekly coffee breaks.