Student EDI committee

Contact us

sscpedi@imperial.ac.uk

The Education EDI committee established itself in 2019 and is comprised of Research Postgraduates discussing initiatives regarding EDI within the SSCP DTP. The committee meets on a monthly basis.

If you’re interested in joining please contact us through sscpedi@imperial.ac.uk.

The current committee is comprised of the following people. Feel free to contact them about EDI issues within the DTP. 

Student EDI Committee

Giulia Bernardini

I’m a PhD student at the department of Earth Science and Engineering. I'm dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM, with a special focus on women from diverse cultural backgrounds. This is crucial as diverse voices bring unique perspectives and solutions to the field. We need this diversity to address the complex climate and societal challenges in our present and near future. EDI in STEM isn't just a goal; it's a necessity for innovation and progress. Let's ensure that every person has the opportunity to thrive in our scientific community and in our society, because when we all thrive, we unleash our shared potential.

Theo Brook

I’m a first year PhD student in Life Sciences and a member of the SSCP DTP (Cohort 9). I’m excited to work with the EDI committee to help ensure that the DTP, the Grantham Institute, and the College more broadly, are as inclusive as possible. Diversity in all its wonderful forms is incredibly important to science; without it we will be unable to tackle the urgent issues facing society and the environment.

James Evans

I am a PhD student in the Department of Life Sciences and a member of the SSCP DTP (cohort 10). I am excited to join the EDI committee to help foster an inclusive culture that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds across the DTP and Imperial College more broadly. By advocating for diversity and inclusion, I hope we can create an environment where all feel heard, supported, and empowered. I hope that this will help each individual to thrive, excel, and show their true potential.

Jacob Francis

I am a first year PhD in the department of mathematics and part of the SSCP DTP in cohort 9. I am passionate about creating an equal, diverse and inclusive space for all to thrive, and believe that here at imperial we should constantly review and improve our approach. I am excited to be joining the current student EDI committee and am eager to continue to create a positive environment for people and research here at imperial, as well as help the committee achieve its objectives.

Ladu Lillian

I'm a PhD student in the department of chemical engineering focusing on thermophysical properties of sustainable liquid fuels. As a woman in STEM, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are pivotal for my success and contribution. EDI ensures fair opportunities, eliminates biases, and fosters an environment where my unique perspective is valued. It's about representation, innovation, and creating supportive spaces where we can thrive and contribute effectively. This pursuit is very important to myself as through EDI, less represented groups gain equal access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities, enabling us to excel in STEM

Neel Le Penru

I’m studying a PhD on ecoacoustics in the Design Engineering department. I believe equity and diversity in academia are vital to deliver just, innovative and necessary change in response to the climate crisis. In recent years, I’ve been particularly interested in mental health in climate and environmental science. In 2023, I led a student journal club following Climate Cares’ guided eco-anxiety journal and have supported efforts for Imperial to provide it to students once published. I hope our work across the committee further opens the door to studying climate and environmental change and enhances student welfare within the DTP..

Jennifer Marsh

I am a PhD student in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering. Throughout my time as an undergraduate and postgraduate student I have taught and mentored students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. These experiences have allowed me to understand the importance of providing less advantaged students with the materials and opportunities to succeed. I joined the committee so that I can help drive progress forward to make the science community a more equal, diverse, and inclusive space.

Sanjeevani Panditharatne

I am a PhD student in the Department of Physics working on retrieving the properties of cirrus clouds from satellite observations in support of the ESA FORUM mission. Within the EDI committee, I’m in charge of maintaining our Wellbeing Resources which involves clear signposting to the available support for all members of Grantham. I believe that research and EDI go hand in hand bringing more minds to collaborate on ever growing areas of study. Providing opportunities and enabling an inclusive environment is fundamental to not only the science, but all the people involved.

Alina Yang

I am a Physics PhD student working on identifying methane sources through atmospheric measurements of radiocarbon. Diversity, to me, means ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the scientific community, with their voices heard and their experiences valued. I am excited to be a part of the EDI committee, where I aim to contribute to establishing an inclusive environment, where everyone's experiences are valued.