Department of Physics and Biophysics Earns Award from Physics & Astronomy SEA Change Program

The University of San Diego's Department of Physics and Biophysics recently won an American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) Physics & Astrophysics (P/A) SEA Change Award, which will help the department to improve support to students, faculty and staff.  The overall aim of the SEA Change Awards program is “to advance institutional transformation that supports success for all in STEMM — science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine — fields.”

A little over two years ago, the department began an evaluation process to figure out how to improve under the guidelines of the AAAS’s P/A SEA Change program. “Through this work, we have gained a clearer perspective on our strengths and areas that need our attention,” explains Chair and Associate Professor of Physics and Biophysics Ryan McGorty, PhD. 

The P/A SEA Change program recognizes and works with institutions seeking to take concrete, mission-aligned action to make academic environments more equitable and supportive. The program’s process includes a self-assessment as well as the creation of a five-year plan with measurable goals. The plan is then reviewed by the P/A SEA Change Committee, a panel of physics and astronomy stakeholders.

After finishing this entire process, the USD Department of Physics and Biophysics received the Bronze Award and the opportunity to implement the five-year plan they created. “University of San Diego’s Department of Physics and Biophysics crafted an action plan rooted in their data to address matters regarding students, postdocs and faculty,” says Director of P/A Sea Change Alexis Knaub, PhD. “We appreciate their openness to feedback and making wise decisions to move their department to becoming its best."

The Department of Physics and Biophysics is already in the process of implementing their action plan. “Our entire department is committed to a process of continuous improvement and reflection to bolster the support we provide to students, faculty and staff,” says McGorty. “We are grateful for the support and recognition from the P/A SEA Change program.”