Brogan Holcombe
M.S. Student
Wildlife Conservation & Sciences
Virginia Tech
Brief Diversity Statement
I aim to create an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for all in both academia and society. I will always strive to create systemic change and increase diversity and equity for all races, cultures, ethnicities, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disabilities (seen and unseen), and all other groups in all places, especially in STEM-related fields. I am committed and dedicated to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive world - this is crucial for success.
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"With inclusivity, we can be diverse, but with diversity, we may not be inclusive."
- Dean Karen DePauw, Virginia Tech
Diversity Experience
Sunday Scientist Shoutout – Twitter Awareness Campaign
September 2020 - Present | @brogan_holcombe
View Past Sunday Scientist Shoutouts Here
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Campaign to raise awareness of the lack of diversity in STEM using #SundayScientistShoutout via Twitter.
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Create a Twitter thread every Sunday highlighting under-represented scientists who did not receive the recognition they deserve due to bias against their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association | August 2019-Present
2020-2021 Exec Team
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair
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This committee aims to make an inclusive environment for people of all races, ethnicities, orientations, and genders and to actively foster a safe, respectful climate for the academic community in our department and our college so all can succeed, grow and feel empowered as unique individuals.
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2020-2021 Sub-Committee Roles
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Fundraising Sub-Committee – Head
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Worked with a team to organize fundraising efforts (restaurant percentage nights, direct donations) for Humble Hikes Program to support Bus Funds and Student Binocular Fund (Raised ~$600)
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Resource Collection Sub-Committee – Head
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Worked with a small team to create a resource database (found here) that provided a wide variety of resources (i.e., documentaries, articles, teaching resources, etc.) and information on DEI issues/topics
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Actively working to create detailed annotated bibliographies to assist users to find resources
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Newsletter Sub-Committee – Co-Head
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Compiled biweekly newsletters to highlight resources to create a deeper understanding of a range of topics to empower individuals to create a sustainable, inclusive community.
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Event Planning Sub-Committee – Co-Head
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Calendar Sub-Committee – Member
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Assisted in creating a Google calendar to promote DEI events (found here) and activities to provide a streamlined way for people to see events with all relevant information right there
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Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) in the Wildlife Profession Committee - Virginia State Chapter of The Wildlife Society
July 2020-Present
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Created and manage social media accounts activities and post on Twitter (@VATWS_IDEA) and Facebook
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Aims to increase diversity, inclusion, equity, and access to resources, among traditionally underrepresented groups in the wildlife profession.
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Aims to increase awareness of issues that limit representation in the wildlife profession by developing recommendations and solutions to create a more diverse and inclusive profession.
College of Natural Resources & Environment Faculty Association Diversity Committee Graduate Student Representative
October 2020-Present
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Serve as a voice for graduate students as an ex-officio member for the faculty diversity committee at the college level
Humble Hustle/Hike Program (more information here)
December 2020-Present | Roanoke, VA
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Working with Black youth (4th-8th grade) to expose them to the outdoors with environmental science education, environmental activism, advocacy, and available resources in their community.
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Raise ~$600 for this program through the FIWGSA DEI Fundraising Sub-Committee
Philadelphia ZooCREW Annual Visits to Virginia Tech Coordinator
August 2017, August 2018
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Coordinated events and speakers for 28 high school students who are part of the Philadelphia Zoo CREW that visited Virginia Tech and Mountain Lake Biological Station to learn about college and wildlife careers
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Video and article on the 2018 vist found here
Mill Mountain Zoo Education Volunteer
Roanoke, VA | October 2016-May 2018
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Worked at education events at the zoo and outreach programs at school and events
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Gave educational talks about the zoo and wildlife conservation at several events about various education animals to guests
