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Drew University Hosts Second Annual Diversity and Inclusion Lecture, Workshops

Rice University’s Dr. Brooke Johnson discussed Afro-Chemistry

November 2024 – Drew University hosted Dr. Brooke Johnson of Rice University to lead a lecture and workshop with faculty, staff, and students.

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(l-r) Tami Navarro, Chair and Assistant Professor of Africana Studies; Jinee Lokaneeta, Professor of Political Science and International Relations and Associate Dean of Curriculum; Brooke Johnson; Andrea Lee, Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemistry.

Johnson’s talk, “Afro-Chemistry: The Study of Black-Life Matter”, explored what justice looks like in chemistry and how we can use chemistry to enhance community impact. The workshop, “Empowering STEM Students” touched on how students can blend STEM and social justice.

Prior to the events, Johnson met with student leaders from a number of clubs, including BIPOC Peer Mentoring, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Society, Drew African Student Society, Empowerment in STEM (ESTEM), Pre-Health, and the student government’s Racial Justice Committee.

“These events were really meaningful,” said Andzani Mthenjane C’26, vice president of the Drew African Students Association and an international student from South Africa. “It represents the start of many larger conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion that are essential to making the classroom more inclusive and reflective of the world we live in. When students see themselves represented in the material they study, it not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also enhances critical thinking and innovation by encouraging students to think beyond traditional paradigms.”

A number of student groups discussed the workshop in their following meetings on campus.

“Some things we touched upon were how having Dr. Johnson speak was very powerful and exciting, and gave students ideas on what we can do in Drew’s STEM community,” said Bella Landino C’25, president of Drew’s Empowerment in STEM student group.

“We also were able to sit back and learn a lot about minority groups in STEM that are often overlooked. There was a lot of connectivity in this sense and we saw how all STEM students, whether they are a minority or not, can come together to make an impact on our community.”

Jinee Lokaneeta, Drew’s associate dean of curriculum and professor of political science and international relations, noted that the second annual event serves as a continuation of the critical conversations faculty are having regarding inclusive pedagogy and centering DEI in Drew’s curricula.

“The lecture is a part of the long-term commitment of Drew to ensure inclusivity and belonging for all students, faculty, and staff within and outside of the classroom,” she said.

The program was co-sponsored by the Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office, Chemistry Department, Africana Studies Department, and Women’s and Gender Studies Department. The student group ESTEM hosted the Empowering STEM Students workshop and assisted in coordinating the day’s events.

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