Diversity Resources

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The American Physiological Society (APS) values and embraces diversity. APS is committed to creating an environment where individuals can exchange ideas and feel safe, accepted, and respected. The Society’s dedication to education and to the understanding and betterment of life requires that we embrace diversity and create opportunities for empowerment for all.

APS diversity programs are designed to increase the overall participation of groups which are currently underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the US.

Awards and Fellowships

APS offers a number of fellowships for trainees from underrepresented backgrounds:

These programs are designed not only to provide funding, but to also offer opportunities to build professional networks.

Importance of Diversity in STEM

Pamela Gunter Smith, President of York College in Pennsylvania and past Porter Committee Chairperson, talks about APS’ longstanding commitment to diversity.

APS Signs on to Congressional Letter Condemning Anti-Asian Discrimination Related to Coronavirus

The American Physiology Society joined and signed on to a multi-society letter to Congress in response to support Asian Americans or Asian scientists, who are negatively affected by discriminatory acts associated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A congressional resolution was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives that denounces this issue and is entitled, “Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19.” The lead sponsors of the resolutions are Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), and Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Flagship Diversity Program

APS’ flagship diversity program is the Porter Physiology Development Fellowship. We recently caught up with some of our esteemed past fellows during the program’s 50^th anniversary. Read more about their careers post-fellowship.

STEM Inclusion Study: Climate Report for APS

The first study of its kind, this NSF-funded project investigated the experiences of professionals from across STEM disciplines and industries to identify potential mechanisms of disadvantage at the interpersonal, organizational and professional levels. This climate report was prepared specifically for APS, thanks to our members who opted-in to participate. Read the report and recommendations.

Top Diversity Resources from our Experts

From Minority Travel Fellow to Associate Professor and All of the Steps In Between
A presentation from the invited speaker, Dr. Dexter L. Lee, given at the APS Minority Travel Fellow Luncheon during EB 2014. Dr. Lee discusses his personal journey drawing from past experience as a former Minority Travel Fellow working his way up to an Associate Professor position at Howard University.
Self-identification: The pros and cons of identifying yourself as a minority physiologist
An audio presentation file from the invited speaker, Dr. Richard K. Nakamura, given at the APS/NIDDK Minority Travel Fellow Luncheon during EB 2012. Dr. Nakamura discusses the societal perspective as well his personal perspective on self-identifying as a minority in the sciences.
Being a Soldier-Scientist: My Journey Across the World
A presentation from the invited speaker, Dr. Robert Carter III, given at the APS/NIDDK Minority Travel Fellow Luncheon during EB 2011. Dr. Carter discusses his career path, including his time as a scientist in the military, as well as the importance of mentors throughout the career path.
Working with Students with Disabilities
Do you have a student with a disability in your classroom or lab? Here are some resources to help you be more inclusive.