Diversity in the Scientific Community ― Quantifying Diversity and Formulating Success

This book compiles diversity-related data and case stories into one book so that scholars and students interested in diversity can conveniently draw on the book for further research, self-study, class instructions, and reference. The book's goal is to: assess the current status of diversity in the scientific community; gather ideas on how to improve diversity in science; document personal stories and perspectives relating to diversity; and make the information available to the public and to a broad spectrum of scientists, including chemists and chemical engineers. A goal is to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, the immediate need for change, and the changes which are possible and most practical to achieve the desired results. In this volume, eight chapters are divided into two sections: Using Data to Quantify the Problem, Formulate Solutions and Measure Success; and Workplace Environment and Work Styles for Women.

Donna Nelson, Professor of Chemistry at Oklahoma University, obtained her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Texas-Austin and did her postdoctorate at Purdue, after which she joined the OU faculty in 1983. She has almost 200 publications and many honors, including NSF ADVANCE Leadership Award, SACNAS Distinguished Scientist, Women's eNews "21 Leaders for the 21st Century", Sigma Xi Faculty Research Award, and many keynote talks. She specializes in organic chemistry. Nelson's career has focused on five primary topics of research generally categorized in two areas, Scientific Research and America's Scientific Readiness. Nelson served as a science advisor to the AMC television show Breaking Bad and was the 2016 President of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

H. N. Cheng obtained his PhD at the University of Illinois and is currently a research chemist at Southern Regional Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in New Orleans. Prior to 2009 he worked for Hercules Incorporated. Over the years, his research interests have included green polymer chemistry, biocatalysis and enzymatic reactions, pulp and paper chemistry, functional foods, polymer characterization, and NMR spectroscopy.