Diversity Statement

The Cognitive Science program at the University of Connecticut takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying the brain and mind. We work to create a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes diverse scientific approaches and backgrounds.

We embrace an ever-evolving diversity that recognizes differences in age, academic rank, culture, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, lived experience, nationality, physical and mental ability, race, religion, spiritual practice, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We recognize that realizing this vision requires us to be proactive to cultivate inclusion, equity, and justice, and we commit ourselves to seeking out new perspectives, expanding our community, and empowering underrepresented voices.

By working to change traditional preconceptions of what a scientist looks and acts like, we hope to be the stewards of the next generation of scientific leaders in academia, industry, and society.

We commit ourselves to building and supporting initiatives that support inclusion at all levels.

Current Initiatives

• The Cognitive Science Graduate Certificate is now open to UConn students and continuing education students, encouraging a greater diversity of participation and perspectives in our program.
• Efforts underway to move cognitive science education outside a western setting, by supporting undergraduate student participation in study abroad programs in Mauritius and Spain, with a priority given to students who are members of a group that are underrepresented at UConn
• Expansion of the steering committee to include graduate student representation.