Meredith Hastings, Associate Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and Fellow of the Institute, was recently recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as one of the nation's foremost role models for young women looking to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The magazine writes that awardees such as Hastings serve as exemplars to "advance diversity, promote equality, and build a stronger U.S. workforce.

Hastings not only excels as a researcher, teacher, and mentor, but has also made great strides toward strengthening the presence of women in science in other capacities.

Writes INSIGHT, "Dr. Hastings co-founded and serves as vice president of the Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN), an organization dedicated to career development and community-building for women to support a more diverse scientific community. Hastings excels at tailoring her mentoring style to her students' needs and provides ample opportunities for their development as scientists and professionals."

Hastings' commitment to recruitment of women in STEM has a practical component as well: in her view, it will foster excellence in research. "Greater diversity in science leads to higher quality science that makes a difference," she says. "Women make up over half of college students but less than 25% of workers in science fields, and innovation depends on all of us making an effort to have our society's diversity represented."

The awards appear in the magazine's September issue.