Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in EAS

Our Mission

Our Goals

• In building an environment of respect, kindness, collaboration, inclusion, and mentoring, we aim for each member of the EAS community to develop their potential and reach their goals unhindered by racism, sexism, or any other form of bias.
• For EAS to lead the academic engineering community in both our intellectual output and reputation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

EAS Programs for Student Success

Yazmin Gonzalez, M.A. (she/her/ella), Director of EAS Programs for Student Success

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yazminyg (at) caltech.edu

Yazmin serves in the inaugural role of Director of EAS Programs for Student Success. In this capacity, she collaborates with Option Representatives and Option Managers to ensure that all EAS students receive the tailored support they need to thrive at Caltech. She oversees Division-wide efforts supporting student academic success and belonging. In addition, she serves as a resource on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Get Involved

• Help make EAS a more inclusive and welcoming community. Please send questions, ideas, or suggestions to [email protected].
• Find resources and connect with others using the Caltech DEI Initiatives Database.
• Stay in the know on the President's Diversity Council and submit suggestions for upcoming meetings.
• Learn about the EAS Chair Scholars Program, which recognizes high-achieving graduate students with the potential and interest to advance issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the EAS Division and Caltech.
• Report inappropriate behavior (click here for guidance).

Getting Help

Visit the Caltech Equity and Title IX Office page to access resources for getting help including:

• Guidance on deciding to report a concern
• Options for reporting a concern
• Caltech policies and procedures
• Caltech and Pasadena support resources

EAS New Horizons Award

The Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences seeks annual nominations to recognize and honor individuals within the EAS community who have actively contributed to EAS's goal to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive engineering community. The award is available to members of the EAS community, including current students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the New Horizons Awards.

The Committee supports the Division's mission to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for everyone in EAS by:

• Acting as a sounding board for EAS efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our academic, research, and work environments. 
• Working with the Director of Student Success to provide feedback, new ideas, pathway programs for entry into Caltech and collaborative links across Caltech.
• Serving as an "effort amplifier" to maximize the positive impact of initiatives by enhancing awareness, promoting, and supporting activities.
• Supporting the New Horizons Diversity and Equity Fund and the New Horizons Awards by encouraging contributions and nominations, and by helping evaluate proposals and awards. 
• Regularly reviewing data and providing feedback on EAS demographics, student success (retention, graduation, degree completion), division wide surveys, and other methods to gauge the working and educational environment.
• Building relationships with similar committees across other divisions, as well as Institute wide programs through the President's Diversity Council, the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity, and Equity and Title IX office.
• Considering other issues as they arise.

Committee members:

• Zachary Ahmad (graduate student, Materials Science Option)
• Mars Arechavala (undergraduate student, Mechanical Engineering Option)
• Aisulu Aitbekova (KNI Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Applied Physics and Materials Science)
• Joanna Austin (Professor, Aerospace)
• Adam Blank (faculty, teaching assistant professor in Computing and Mathematical Sciences)
• Jennifer Blankenship (options manager for Applied Physics and Materials Science)
• Jenni Campbell (options manager for Mechanical and Civil Engineering)
• Andrei Faraon (William L. Valentine Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering)
• Yazmin Gonzalez (director, EAS Programs for Student Success)
• Melany Hunt (Dotty and Dick Hayman Professor of Mechanical Engineering; EAS DEI Committee Chair)
• Austin Minnich (Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics; EAS Division Deputy Chair)
• Frida Moreno (undergraduate student, Computer Science Option)
• Tiffany Kimoto (executive director, Kavli Nanoscience Institute)
• Theresa Tsaggaris (graduate student, Mechanical Engineering Option)

Undergraduate admission at Caltech is need-blind and actively supports student access, equity, and inclusion.

Graduate admission at Caltech is grounded in the understanding that civility and mutual respect for diversity of background, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, and marital and family status, are critical. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment in which such diversity will flourish.

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.