About Us

INSPIRE is creating a novel educational and research ecosystem that showcases diverse career pathways that intersect the geosciences.  INSPIRE is focused on coordinated action of mentoring and support, and offers networking opportunities to multiple cohorts of individuals: Post-baccalaureate (Bridge to PhD) Scholars, early to mid career faculty (Visiting Fellows), and High School students and educators in New York City. The envisioned cultural transformation will increase the creativity, equity, relevance, and impact of geoscience research and education, both within the New York City metropolitan area and nationally. 

The INSPIRE Program  prioritizes engagement of communities through co-design of research, and fosters a just, equitable, and inclusive geoscience research community that reflects the diversity of the nation and is rooted in multi-directional listening and knowledge transfer. Through INSPIRE, the Columbia Climate School geoscience research and education community, including its alumni, will participate in coordinated mentoring and support, while providing connections and networking opportunities for program participants.

INSPIRE will deploy and scale three key initiatives:

1. A co-designed inclusive learning ecosystem that integrates MSI researchers and students with CCS researchers to provide mentoring, research experience and  professional development for Visiting Fellows and Bridge to PhD Scholars;
2. A framework for co-designing inclusive community-focused research and programs that address emerging geoscience problems rooted in community-partnerships and engagement with local New York City schools;
3. An evidence-based social science component focused on the concept of ‘armoring’ historically marginalized people through self-affirmation intervention coupled with storytelling that highlights inspirational geoscience career pathways;