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.

Diversity and Inclusion Information

PDFs for download:
AURA’s EEO Policy | AURA Recruitment Guide | AURA Unconscious Bias Brochure | WDC Charter | WDC Annual Reports

Workforce and Diversity Committee

The overall goals of the AURA Workforce and Diversity Committee are to work with AURA to strengthen the participation from diverse groups (including under-represented groups) within the AURA workplace, and to ensure an inclusive culture within AURA that empowers all of its employees to participate in AURA’s mission.

External Members

Carolyn Brinkworth
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Alice Hogan
Independent Contractor

Lisa Hunter
University of California, Santa Cruz

Janet Malley
University of Michigan

Sonya Smith (Chair)
Howard University

AURA HR Personnel

Lynda Dec
AURA NSF-funded Facilities

Sheryl Bruff
AURA NASA-funded Facilities

Diversity Advocates

Each AURA center has a Diversity Advocate reporting to the Director and serving on the Workforce and Diversity Committee. The Diversity Advocate works with Human Resources as well as outreach and educational staff to focus on workplace climate, workforce development, and other activities to broaden participation at AURA Centers, especially for women and under-represented minorities.

Jesse Ball Gemini	Jocelyn Ferrara Gemini	Chris Montgomery LSST
Max Mutchler STScI	Dara Norman NOAO	Claire Raftery NSO
Stephen Ridgway NOAO	Javier Rojas AURA-CTIO	Alysha Shugart Gemini