It has been a privilege to serve as your newly appointed Diversity Chair for the past few months! I would like to extend gratitude to my immediate predecessor, Dr. Ajit Chaudhari, for guiding me through the transitional period. Additionally, I would like to thank all former Diversity Committee Chairs, Drs. Kate Saul, Kristin Zhao, and Robin Queen, for developing a successful platform that elicits voices to be heard and for implementing proper actions regarding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). These efforts have provided substantial growth within ASB and the biomechanics community as a whole.
With the intention of continuing to provide a safe and interactive environment for all ASB members, the Diversity Committee has continued to utilize an anonymous reporting tool, EthicsPoint. Please note that you can report any incident 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by following the steps represented on the ASB website, http://asbweb.ethicspoint.com.
ASB Affinity Group and Non-Profit Partners Update
The Diversity Committee implemented policies for current ASB Affinity Groups and Non-Profit Partners. Specifically, Affinity groups are informal organized groups that share a common identity, interest or goal. Affinity groups often provide support, community and advocacy around that shared aspect. The ASB Non-Profit Partners are 501(c)(3) organizations, legally registered tax-exempt organizations focused on purposes that are educational, charitable, religious or scientific.
These new policies streamline previous processes to facilitate easier collaboration between groups, open up new cooperative opportunities, and strengthen how we can support partners to pursue shared goals that are aligned with our mission. Specifically, the guidelines create possibilities for offering funding, advertising, networking platforms, and accessing other resources that may have been previously limited.
If you would like more information about the Affinity Groups and Non-Profit Partners, please look at the information below.
Affinity Groups
The Christian Biomechanics Group aims to build a supportive community for Christian believers who are in biomechanics fields to encourage one another spiritually as they navigate their career and research. People of all backgrounds seeking to learn more are invited to join the group’s meetings. Contact B.J. Fregly (fregly@rice.edu) for additional information.
Social Media: @ChristBiomech
The Early Career Faculty Affinity Group aims to connect early career biomechanics faculty across disciplines and provide career-building resources, mentoring, and opportunities for national service. Contact Josh Roth (jdroth2@wisc.edu) for additional information.
Social Media: @biomechnewbies
The Post-Doctorate Affinity Group creates a space for networking and community building among post-doctoral biomechanics professionals across disciplines. Contact asbpostdocs@gmail.com for additional information.
Social Media: @ASBPostdocs
The Teaching Biomechanics Interest Group (T-BIG) is a community of biomechanics educators passionate about effective teaching methods and overcoming common challenges in this nuanced field. Contact Craig Goehler (cgoehler@nd.edu) and Allison Altman Singles (ara5093@psu.edu) for additional information.
Non-Profit Partners
The Black Biomechanists Association (BBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to create a supportive community for Black students and professionals across the vast disciplines of biomechanics. BBA welcomes all students and professionals to join in our mission to uplift and enrich Black biomechanists in their academic and professional careers. Contact blackbiomechanics@gmail.com for additional information or visit their website, https://bba.membershiptoolkit.com/membership.
The International Women in Biomechanics group (IWB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded with the mission of fostering an environment for women and underrepresented genders in biomechanics to gain support, visibility, and allyship. IWB offers a variety of programs and services for members and allies, including an online community platform, numerous networking and professional development events, and opportunities to highlight members’ science. Contact admin@intwomenbiomech.org for additional information or visit their website, https://www.intwomenbiomech.org.
The Latinx in Biomechanics group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit seeking to collaborate with various organizations to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the biomechanics field, with a focus on empowering and uplifting Latinx biomechanists specifically. The membership and programs welcome allies committed to creating a more just, inclusive scientific community through mentorship, advocacy, and ongoing partnerships. Contact info@latinxbiomech.com for additional information or visit their website, https://linktr.ee/latinxbiomech.
As we continue pursuing our mission to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the field of biomechanics, we welcome your involvement and ideas. If you are interested in joining the Diversity Committee, have suggestions for new initiatives, or have any other questions, please reach out to me at asbdiversity@asb.org. We aim to continuously improve in serving all members of the ASB community.
I look forward to connecting further and meeting more of you at the upcoming conference in Madison!
Christopher Wilburn
Diversity Chair