94 - Bridging the DEI Gap in Entomology

Black and Hispanics are heavily underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in academics and the workforce. This underrepresentation is due to the lack of access, resources, and encouragement to pursue these subjects at an early age. Achieving equity in science and other related fields has been an ongoing challenge and many students from underrepresented communities face opportunity gaps due to systemic imbalances and structural barriers in their educational and professional experiences.  

To address these systemic and structural barriers, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) created the Public Health Entomology for All (PHEFA) program in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PHEFA offers Internships and Fellowships to encourage students and recent graduates from minority serving institutions who are interested in social justice and health equity to pursue entomology as a career and work toward a future in which all communities benefit from creative, inclusive, and equitable scientific processes and solutions.  

During this symposium, participants will get insight into the PHEFA program, have access to professional and hear from experiences of PHEFA interns and/or fellows and entomologists. The goals and objectives of this segment is to offer students and early career professionals the opportunity to network, learn more about PHEFA, how to get involved, and to become educated on the research and findings that is currently happening in public health entomology.