Renowned researcher and STEM influencer Fay Cobb Payton has been selected as the keynote speaker at the upcoming Annual Meeting for the Minority Serving – Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (MS-CC). The event will take place from May 29-31 in Washington, D.C. Payton’s keynote, titled “The Importance of Inclusive Research Expansion,” will be held at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel on Friday, May 31, at 11:45 a.m. ET.
Payton’s impressive background includes her role as a visiting scholar of inclusive innovation at Rutgers University – Newark and a professor emerita of information technology and analytics at North Carolina State University. She has also served as a program director at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she played a pivotal role in initiating the CISE Minority Serving Institution Research Expansion Program. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious NSF Director’s Award.
During her time at NSF, Payton worked on various initiatives, including collaborations with major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These partnerships aimed to further research expansion and cloud computing. Payton is an expert in a wide range of topics, including data quality, AI bias and ethics, healthcare, and innovation. Her extensive research contributions include over 150 peer-reviewed publications, making her a leading voice in the field.
Payton’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion is evident through her involvement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She actively participates in efforts to advance women of color in technology, serving on the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and contributing to the Consensus Study on Transforming Trajectories.
The MS-CC Annual Meeting brings together professionals, advocates, leaders, and community-builders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The event creates a platform for these institutions to discuss and shape sustainable IT capabilities for data-intensive education and research programs.
The Minority Serving – Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (MS-CC) aims to empower under-resourced institutions by promoting advanced cyberinfrastructure (CI) and technological capabilities for teaching, learning, research, and enterprise technology. Through collaborations with Internet2 and support from the National Science Foundation, the MS-CC is dedicated to advancing technology infrastructure in research and education, while incorporating diverse perspectives and cultural identities.
The upcoming MS-CC Annual Meeting promises to be a platform for innovative discussions and collaborations, thanks to the generous support and funding from the National Science Foundation. Awards #2137123 and #2234326 have made the event possible, paving the way for advancements in cyberinfrastructure-centric research capacity at HBCUs and TCUs.
Fay Cobb Payton’s keynote address will undoubtedly inspire participants at the 2024 MS-CC Annual Meeting, shedding light on the critical role of inclusive research expansion and the transformative power of diversity and collaboration in STEM fields.
In addition to the information provided in the article, it is important to discuss some current market trends related to inclusive research expansion. The push for diversity and inclusivity in research has been gaining momentum in recent years. Many organizations, including universities and academic institutions, are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and are actively working towards creating more inclusive research environments.
This trend is fueled by several factors. Firstly, research has shown that diverse teams and inclusive research practices lead to better outcomes and innovations. When people from different backgrounds and experiences come together to solve a problem, they bring unique perspectives and insights that can lead to breakthrough discoveries.
Secondly, there is a growing recognition of the underrepresentation of certain groups, such as women and racial minorities, in STEM fields. Efforts are being made to address these disparities and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups to excel in research and academia.
Furthermore, funding agencies and organizations are increasingly prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their research programs. They understand the importance of supporting projects that involve collaboration and engagement with diverse communities.
Forecasting the future of inclusive research expansion, it is likely that we will continue to see an increase in initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in research. We can expect more funding opportunities specifically targeted towards underrepresented groups, as well as increased support for programs that promote inclusivity in research environments.
While the advantages of inclusive research expansion are numerous, including the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, there are also some challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One challenge is ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities. Despite efforts to promote diversity, there are still systemic barriers that hinder the participation of underrepresented groups in research.
Another challenge is the potential for bias and discrimination within research environments. It is important to address and eliminate biases in research practices, as they can undermine the credibility and validity of findings. Ethical considerations must also be taken into account to ensure that research involving diverse populations is conducted in a respectful and inclusive manner.
In terms of controversies, there may be debates around the effectiveness of diversity initiatives in research. Some may argue that focusing on diversity detracts from merit-based selection and may lead to compromising research quality. It is important to address these concerns and emphasize the value and benefits of an inclusive research environment.
Overall, inclusive research expansion is a critical topic in the field of STEM. It not only contributes to better research outcomes, but also helps to address inequalities and promote social justice. By embracing diversity and fostering collaboration, the scientific community can strive towards more inclusive and impactful research.