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 | AURA Diversity & Inclusion 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 BrinkworthNational Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) |
 Faye GilesNational Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) |
 Alice HoganIndependent Contractor |
 Brian NordFermi National Accelerator Laboratory |
 Janet MalleyUniversity of Michigan |
 Sonya Smith (Chair)Howard University |
AURA HR Personnel
 Lynda DecAURA NSF-funded Facilities |
 Sheryl BruffAURA 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 BallGemini |
 Van DixonSTScI |
 Jocelyn FerraraGemini |
 Chris MontgomeryLSST |
 Dara NormanNOAO |
 Leonor OpazoNOAO |
 Claire RafteryNSO |
 Stephen RidgwayNOAO |
 Catherine RiggsSTScI |
 Alysha ShugartGemini |