Preparing for field work travel: A checklist

Traveling for field work is common in the fields of ecology, physiology, and evolutionary biology. Surveys indicate that sexual harassment or assault is a significant risk during field work-related travel, especially for women and students (Clancy et al 2014). To reduce this risk as much as possible, this website informs researchers of their rights and responsibilities during…Continue Reading Preparing for field work travel: A checklist

Resources available for responding to sexual assault or harassment during field work travel

Sexual violence is defined as sexual acts without consent. It includes rape, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Sexual acts are without consent if the victim: does not make an affirmative, unambiguous, and conscious decision to engage in sexual activity; is coerced, forced, threatened, or intimidated; is under age 18; or is incapacitated…Continue Reading Resources available for responding to sexual assault or harassment during field work travel

Working in the field: New solutions for old problems

Caitlin published an article for AWIS Magazine that addresses ways to improve gender equity in field work. You can view her article here: http://figshare.com/articles/Working_in_the_Field_New_Solutions_for_Old_Problems/1585852 Caitlin is a PhD candidate in our lab. She studies climate change in tropical cloud forests….Continue Reading Working in the field: New solutions for old problems

Field station guide for responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence

I’ve worked with UCI’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity to develop a field station guide for responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence. This guide will be posted at each of the field research stations that UCI operates. It is part of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology’s Equity in Field Work initiative. You…Continue Reading Field station guide for responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence

Code of conduct for UCI field stations

This Code of Conduct is posted at each of UCI’s field stations: Expected Behavior All participants, visitors, staff, students , faculty, and vendors are to be treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions. Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative. Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert UCI…Continue Reading Code of conduct for UCI field stations

Equity in field work: Reducing the risk of sexual assault and harassment

I wrote this mission statement following a discussion in the EEB Ecology Group:   Field work is one of the most crucial, irreplaceable, and rewarding aspects of research in ecology and evolutionary biology. It is also risky. Unfortunately, its risks include unacceptably high rates of sexual assault and sexual harassment for field researchers. As a…Continue Reading Equity in field work: Reducing the risk of sexual assault and harassment