Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broadens participation, and encourages the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce.

AURA is committed to the people that support our mission to advance astronomy and related sciences. We are deeply invested in developing and improving our policies and practices to create a welcoming and productive work environment. AURA believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce, particularly one that includes women and individuals from under-represented minority groups, contributes to excellence both in our organization and in the scientific community as a whole.

Equity and Inclusion Council

The members of the Equity and Inclusion Council will serve in their roles until July 2022.

Ameerah McBride, Chief Diversity Officer ex officio

Diversity Advocates

Catherine Riggs, Database Engineer, Space Telescope Science Institute

William Van Dyke (Van) Dixon, Branch Manager, Space Telescope Science Institute

Niles Oien, Scientific Programmer, National Solar Observatory

Stacey Sueoka, Senior Engineer, National Solar Observatory

Jocelyn Ferrara, Science Operations Specialist, NOIRLab, Gemini North

Jesse Ball, Science Operations Specialist Group Manager, NOIRLab, Gemini North

Christopher Montgomery, Training Coordinator, NOIRLab, Rubin Project Office

Leonor Opazo, Outreach Manager, NOIRLab, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory 

Alysha Shugart, Science Operations Specialist, NOIRLab, Gemini South

Diversity and Inclusion Information

PDFs for download:
AURA’s EEO Policy    |    AURA Recruitment Guide    |    AURA Unconscious Bias Brochure   |    AURA Diversity & Inclusion Reports