The photonics community faces the challenge of developing and maintaining a diverse workforce to advance the scientific frontiers. Women are significantly underrepresented in photonics and physics more broadly. In addition, women researchers (~ 20% in the Physical Sciences) and equity-deserving groups experience both implicit (lack of role models, access to key infrastructure) and explicit (microaggressions, discrimination) barriers to inclusion and advancement.

Dr. Chang commits to identify, recruit, train, develop and retain a diverse group of students, PDFs and scientists. He will create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that supports all trainees, in particular those from equity-deserving groups, from their formative years in their field of study and throughout their professional training.

Dr. Chang will promote inclusive leadership by giving roles to women and other members of equity-deserving groups in the: planning of experiments; development of lab best practices; distribution of shared work tasks; resource allocation planning; and knowledge mobilization. A successful research group should develop a culture of strong professional values, such as excelling in academic achievement, considering multiple perspectives, collegiality, and mutual respect between team members. Dr. Chang seeks to ensure that everyone can achieve their potential, regardless of their experiences and circumstances.