Community

Learn more about us:

We’re all about the science, but at the end of the day it’s the process of getting there that defines us. Peek into INSTAAR culture: the day-to-day work in labs, offices, or the field; get-togethers over coffee or lunch; and interactions with our many concentric communities.

Culture and inclusion

We’re committed to being an inclusive, antiracist institute where all INSTAARs are welcome, safe, and can thrive, including those who identify with groups underrepresented in science and academia. We know that while we've taken some steps along that path, we still have a distance to go.

How can we see where we are, and where we're falling down? One helpful marker is the Campus Culture Survey, administered by the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). The Culture Survey measures how people at CU Boulder are experiencing their work environment and community.

We can see from the survey data that most, but not all, people are having positive experiences at CU Boulder; and that more people are having positive experiences within the research institutes than at CU Boulder overall. We also see, however, that more people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and graduate students experience problematic behaviors and have less of a sense of belonging than people in other groups. Clearly we have work to do as individuals and an institute to create a better environment for everyone. The survey results suggest some concrete ways to make our community more connected and inclusive, and we’ve been working on those over the past few years. For some of the steps we're taking, see Diversity.

People spotlights

More people spotlights

Snapshots

The first monthly social with the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) was held in mid-September. The two units are meeting one Friday a month to foster scientific collaborations... with frozen treats! Learn more about current, interesting research projects.

Directorate retreat

INSTAAR’s governing body, the Directorate, came together at the start of the Fall semester for their annual retreat. This year they concentrated on creating a short list of research areas for new hires. The Directorate is composed of about 40 people.

INSTAAR Spring celebration luncheon

On May 8th, we came together as a community to eat, present awards, and recognize our MS and PhD graduates. Many INSTAARs attended, along with the families of our graduates and award winners. Congratulations to all!

 

INSTAAR Interim Director Nikki Lovenduski kicks off the Celebration Luncheon with opening remarks, including thanking all the wonderful students, faculty, and staff who make INSTAAR such a fantastic place to learn and work.

A group photo for Katie Gannon, the 2024 winner of the Sarah Crump Graduate Fellowship. Gannon is flanked by Sarah Crump's parents, Liz Anderson and John Crump, as well as Sarah's PhD advisor Giff Miller (far left) and Sarah's partner, Nodin de Saillan (top).

Operations Manager Patti Newton recognizes front office student intern Joe Constancia. Joe has been an amazing intern for several years and is graduating in the class of 2024 with a degree in Management from Leeds School of Business.

Community news

More community news

Updates

To see more Facebook posts, scroll directly on the timeline above or .

 

 

Michael Dyonisius

Take 5 with Michael Dyonisius

Michael is a postdoc with INSTAAR’s Laboratory for AMS Radiocarbon Preparation and Research, a keen investigator of greenhouse gas fluxes, and an occasional ukulele-playing indie pop fan. 

Meet Michael 

Community events

INSTAAR mentoring

All people new to INSTAAR are invited into NewSTAAR peer mentoring, where they are paired with a current INSTAAR who can help them get to know people and the institute and find resources.

This program is for those considering applying for graduate school. GAAP participants are paired with current students who help them navigate the application process.

Did you experience or witness problematic behavior?

INSTAAR’s primary responsibility is to create and maintain a safe and inclusive work environment for all. What can you do if you experience or witness problematic behavior such as microaggressions or instances of harassment? 

Explore ways to report, get support, and help