Human Diversity

Chair

• John D. Hanson (j.delton.hanson@gmail.com)

Members

History and Mission

The Human Diversity Committee was originally established as the ad hoc Committee on Women and Minority Issues (1992-1996), and underwent a name change to better reflect its goals (ad hoc Committee on Human Diversity in Mammalogy, 1996-1998). In 1998, as an indication of the importance of the committee’s goals to the ASM, it was elevated to a standing committee (first as the Committee on Human Diversity in Mammalogy) and finally attained its current name in 1999. Its mission is to ensure the opportunity for active participation in the ASM by all members, regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, age, physical disabilities, or sexual orientation.

Responsibilities

This committee serves the Society by working to encourage and facilitate an increase in the diversity of active participants of the Society by working to reduce any and all barriers to participation, service, and governance (especially those associated with under-represented groups). Accordingly, the committee is examining approaches and efforts to increase diversity within the Society, especially the diversity of the participants in societal activities and functions. This committee also plans and conducts various workshops, symposia, and other activities associated with its mission.

The committee also reminds ASM members that independent ombudspersons are available to mediate or advise on issues regarding inappropriate conduct, discrimination, or other unprofessional behaviors (see Journal of Mammalogy 78:268 [1997]).

Finally, the Human Diversity Committee oversees one award for the ASM, and shares oversight of another award with the Office of the Ombudspersons.

Black and Indigenous Scholars in Mammalogy Award

This award developed through the efforts of leadership in Black Mammalogists Week, which was created in 2020 to raise awareness of the global community of Black mammalogists, to illuminate the historical and present-day contributions of Black mammalogists to the field of Mammalogy, and to provide opportunities for current and aspiring Black mammalogists across the Diaspora to form conscious, fruitful, forward-viewing connections.  The ASM shares with originators of Black Mammalogists Week a vision of a future where young people of all backgrounds will realize that they are not only welcome, but indeed are needed and vital parts of a fully grounded science of mammalogy.  Reflecting our shared desire to realize this goal, ASM and Black Mammalogists Week leadership have worked closely to help promote this vision – to ensure that a future of equality and inclusivity is the only future for us all.

The Black and Indigenous Scholars award is targeted at research in Mammalogy and that related to mammals.  This award focuses on Black and Indigenous colleagues, and there are no thematic limits; research on ecology, behavior, biogeography, genomics, physiology, taxonomy, or any other arena is acceptable, as is support for short courses on mammal biology and attendance at scientific meetings.  See the Awards tab for further information.

We anticipate two or more awards of $200-$1,500 each year.

Donate to the Black & Indigenous Scholars award here.

J. Mary Taylor Award

The J. Mary Taylor Award was developed collaboratively by the Human Diversity Committee and the ASM Office of the Ombudspersons, and honors our first female president, Dr. J. Mary Taylor (President 1982–1984). Mary’s leadership for the Society and the institutions she lead exemplifies our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equity within the field of mammalogy. This award recognizes the impact of an individual or a team through contributions that promote and improve the accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity of our discipline or of our Society.

Mary Taylor (1931–2019) broke barriers throughout her career. She was a consummate mammalogist and deeply committed to both the ASM and to her students, graduate and undergraduate alike. She was noted for her sound fiscal planning and her groundbreaking research as a field and museum biologist. Among her positions, she served as Professor of Zoology and Director of the Cowan Vertebrate Museum at the University of British Columbia, Executive Director of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Chairperson of the IUCN Rodent Specialist Committee, and Vice President of the Association of Science Museum Directors. We remember her fondly for her leadership, her “can do” personality, and friendship within the ASM. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was awarded Honorary Membership in 2001. For additional details on Mary’s life and accomplishments see Horner et al. (1996) and Woolley (In press).

Donate to the J. Mary Taylor Award here.

History of Human Diversity Committee Activities

• The 2021 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2020 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2019 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2018 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2017 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2016 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2015 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2014 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2013 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2012 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2011 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2010 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2009 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2008 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2007 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2006 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee
• The 2005 Annual Report of the Human Diversity Committee

J. Mary Taylor Award

The application period opens 15 January with a submission deadline of 1 March at 11:59 PM (EST). 

Eligibility & Selection Criteria:

• Nominee(s) must be active ASM members in good standing, and must adhere to the ASM Code of Conduct.
• Nominations must come from an ASM member in good standing; self-nominations are acceptable.
• Nominees may be individuals or teams, and may be at any career stage or level of experience.
• Individuals may only receive the award one time.
• Awards will be given only in years when compelling and suitable nominations are available.

Application Requirements:

• Name and contact details of the nominator(s).
• Name and contact details of the nominee(s).
• A current CV for the nominee that includes a summary of the nominees education and career.
• A supporting statement (<4,000 characters for individuals or teams, not including spaces) that addresses the award criteria:

1. An introduction to the nominee or team that describes the area or business in which they work and their role(s) within the organization.
2. A description of the contributions of the individual or team, and evidence of their impact within research, academic, and outreach communities served by the Society.
3. One or two sentences of <250 characters (not including spaces) that succinctly describes the nominees laudatory contribution to diversity and inclusion within mammalogy (to be posted on the ASM website).

To Apply

See the grants page for current submission dates. Applications are due March 1.

Black and Indigenous Scholars in Mammalogy Award

Scope of Award.

The Black and Indigenous Scholars award is targeted at research in Mammalogy and that related to mammals.  There are no thematic limits; research on ecology, behavior, biogeography, genomics, physiology, taxonomy, or any other arena is acceptable.  The only taxonomic limit is that this is not intended to support research on humans (although research on how humans impact non-human mammals could be acceptable).  The award may be used to support the cost of equipment or supplies; field assistants; travel to/from research sites, museums, or other venues for research or coursework; meeting registration cost and travel to meetings; publishing costs; course or training fees; or per diem, as justified by the applicant.  The award may not be used for “pay to play” or other exploitative “volunteer” opportunities. High school-level applicants are invited to apply, but must be asking for funding for a formal course, program, or training related to Mammalogy.

Selection Criteria.

The review committee will emphasize the quality of efforts and impact of the applicant over more traditional quantitative measures.  The following general themes will be emphasized:

1. Applicant will be a scholar from, or residing in, the Western Hemisphere who are of Black/African American origin and/or represent any of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.*
2. Career status of high school level and above; there is no age limit.
3. Ability to speak to how the award will help the applicant professionally.  It is implicit that this will relate to the field of Mammalogy in some way.
4. Ability to speak to how the applicant’s identity has contributed to their career, career plans, and/or to how they view their field of interest.

Application.

Complete applications include the following elements (incomplete applications cannot be considered):

1. Applicants name and contact details (including email).
2. Contact information (name, email, and phone) for at least one reference who can speak to the applicant’s eligibility for the award.  This reference should be able to provide an independent and objective assessment (hence, not family, personal friend, etc.).
3. Application materials shall include:

1. An itemized budget, ranging from $200 to a maximum of $1,500.
2. A supporting statement (<2 pages, 1” margins, single-spaced, maximum 6 lines/inch) that addresses the following questions:

1. How will this award help you professionally? 
2. What are your career goals, and how has your Black or Indigenous identity contributed to your (current or aspiring) career and how you view your field?
3. Note that this statement needs to clarify the Black or Indigenous status of the applicant.

See the grants page for current submission dates.