Each year, the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association (PDA) recognizes outstanding postdocs making a lasting impact in research, service, teaching and beyond with the UMN Postdoc Awards. Announced as part of National Postdoc Appreciation week, the PDA awarded Joel Schneider, postdoctoral associate in Biology Teaching and Learning, the 2023 recipient of the Postdoc Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our Academic Community. The award recognizes a University postdoctoral researcher making a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion work at the U of M.
“Joel has gone above and beyond simply their research in showcasing their passion for equity, inclusion, and justice within academia and beyond,” said one of Schneider’s nominators. “We have been a stronger, better, more caring, and more reflective group because of Joel’s presence and I have begun to see that influence echoed throughout my department and even throughout the field thanks to Joel’s presentations and participation in national and departmental events.”
After completing their Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Stanford University, Schneider joined BTL faculty member A. Kelly Lane’s lab in 2022. Their research focuses on student beliefs and experiences of race and gender in introductory biology courses, and how curriculum and faculty impact them. As a PDA award recipient, Schneider received $250 and was recognized at this year’s National Postdoc Appreciation Week Welcome Event on September 18.