The Department of Physics and Astronomy is fully committed to, and supportive of, the efforts on Inclusive Excellence.
As a community, we acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share, the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here. We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community and to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity as well as ensuring full educational opportunities for all who teach, learn, and work here.
Community Building and Mentoring Programs
Our department recognizes the importance of a supportive community for students. In 2018, efforts to build community among graduate students (PACE) and incoming undergraduates (Resonance) were started towards this effort. PACE is a graduate-student-led mentoring and community-building program to normalize a holistic approach to success as a UCI physics graduate student and strengthen our community through trained mentors. Resonance groups between five and eight incoming students with continuing undergraduates who serve as peer mentors. The goal of the program is to provide community among physics and applied physics students, build excitement about physics, and help students navigate challenges of the first year in physics at UCI. UNITY at UCI is a representative body for all folks whose gender identities and/or experiences of gender have been historically marginalized in physics and astronomy at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels. In addition to holding community building and informational events, UNITY houses a graduate to undergraduate student mentoring program.
APS Bridge
The APS Bridge Program is a coalition of academic institutions, national laboratories, and other educational organizations that share a commitment to increasing educational opportunities for students from underrepresented groups. As a bridge partner institution, UCI hosts underrepresented students who need additional coursework, research experience, or mentoring, to put together a successful application for a doctoral program.
Outreach Programs
The Department of Physics & Astronomy have established many community outreach programs and educational activities that provide opportunities for K-12 students to explore STEM concepts and educational and career pathways. For example, Rising Stargirls, founded by Professor Aomawa Shields, is dedicated to encouraging girls of all colors and backgrounds to learn, explore, and discover the universe through interactive astronomy workshops using theater, writing, and visual art. Adventures in Physics, led by Professor Bill Heidbrink, is a public event that promotes physics for all ages through live experiments and demonstrations. These are just a few of the many outreach activities that exist within the school.