The Physics department colloquia are usually on Friday afternoons at 3 pm in Room 135. Coffee and cookies are served at 2:45 pm in the same room. Anyone is welcome.

How Culture Helps or Hinders You and Your Colleagues
Dr. Edmund Bertschinger, Dept. of Physics & The Institute Community & Equity Office, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Culture is the dark energy of our lives; it is an invisible force that shapes our environment for work and life. Culture shapes climate, and climate affects individual and group satisfaction and accomplishment. A culture of exclusion is one that fails to recognize and correct for unconscious bias, marginalization of out-group members, privilege, etc. A culture of inclusion advances a respectful and caring community to leverage the power of diversity, improve employee success, and enhance the quality of life for everyone.

I will describe a study of community and culture at MIT, and steps we have taken and are taking to create a culture of empowerment and respect for everyone.