Peyman is a research fellow at the University of Leeds with experience in environmental modelling and impact assessment, sustainability, and global biogeochemical modelling. In 2022, he hosted an in-person placement for two students and really enjoyed the experience. Peyman is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment in STEM.
“I volunteered for the In2scienceUK programme to encourage disadvantaged students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). My research and career pathways may have several interesting aspects that can be interesting for students and it is wide enough to give them a broad scope of how STEM may look like. I believe helping disadvantaged students is important for our society as they can be great contributors to the future of STEM, and such programmes can be an excellent way of encouraging them to pursue their dreams in higher education and allow them to make a difference in this world.
I think creating a diverse and inclusive environment in STEM not only has societal benefits but also promotes STEM. Fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion is one of the key drivers of growth in developed countries and is essential for having an amicable and thriving society. The growth of STEM requires cooperation among people with all types of backgrounds, religions, languages, ethnicity, etc. Promoting diversity may eventually lead to better relationships among humans, more mutual respect, the removal of geopolitical borders, and a more peaceful world. I am hoping that STEM can become a means for extending equity, diversity, and inclusion to all countries around the world.
I organised a range of activities such as library skill instructions, laboratory experiment demonstrations, game-based design of engineering structures, journal club, and a multidisciplinary research presentation for five Year-12 students. Interaction with many people before and during this programme including colleagues across the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Civil Engineering, and the library at the University of Leeds, as well as with the In2scienceUK staff and the students was most appreciated.
I would strongly recommend the In2scienceUK programme especially for early-career researchers. It is an exceptional opportunity to connect with colleagues, gain organisational and mentoring skills, and more importantly contribute to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.”
@PeymanBabakhani