Episode 107: Pride in STEM with Dr. Ben Britton

Best of the WWEST

Dr. Ben Britton joins host and producer Vanessa just in time for LGBT STEM Day. The conversation about 2SLGBTQ+ people's participation in STEM is ramping up more and more, and we're talking about what employers and those in academia can do to create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We also cover what kinds of unique circumstances this community experiences, with some harrowing statistics that show how much work needs to be done to be inclusive to 2SLGBTQ+ people working in and studying STEM.

(Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

Ben Britton is an Associate Professor in Materials Engineering at UBC, teaches on the Manufacturing Engineering programme and holds a visiting Readership at Imperial College London. Ben leads a research group looking at characterising the performance and manufacturing of materials used in high risk high value applications, as well as materials used to support us achieving a low carbon future. In addition to his technical work, Ben works to agitate for improved equity in STEM, including a focus on LGBTQ+ issues.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/BuhvRT

Relevant Links:

• Cech, E.A. and Waidzunas, T.J., "Systemic inequalities for LGBTQ professionals in STEM"
• Dr. Britton on Wikipedia
• Experimental Micromechanical Characterisation Research Group
• Institute of Physics, "Exploring the workplace for LGBT+ physical scientists" report
• LGBT STEM Day
• "No Sexuality, Please, We're Scientists" (talk, Imperial College London)
• Responses from members of 21 STEM professional societies - a Twitter thread
• Safer Spaces

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey