Cornell University
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
E409 Corson Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Lab Phone: 607-254-4270 Fax: 607-255-8088
Statement on Systemic Inequity in Academia
Racial and socioeconomic inequity are prevalent in academia, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As such, the Sparks Lab is working to cultivate and sustain an antiracist and inclusive environment to mentor and train one another as antiracist scientists. Our current and ongoing goals include:
(1) Regularly collaborate with underrepresented researchers in ecology and evolutionary biology, especially those who identify as Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC);
(2) Read, cite, and promote work led by BIPOC scientists;
(3) Actively recruit BIPOC graduate students to join our lab, and support their professional development and emotional well being while here;
(4) Encourage recruitment and sustained professional support for BIPOC faculty in our department.
Sparks Lab 2024
Front row: Dave Frey, Charlotte Tysall, Jed Sparks, Ben Uveges, Camille Blevins
Back row: Kim Sparks, Hannah Monti, Lucas Fink, Dan Petticord, Sudan Kariuki, John Pollack, Allasandra Valdez
Sparks Lab 2020
Lab members (left to right): Dan Petticord, Lizzie Lombardi, Jed Sparks, Kim Sparks, John Pollack, Kelsey Jensen
Sparks Lab 2018
Back row: Kelsey Jensen, John Pollak, Dr. Fiona Soper, Kim Sparks, Dr. Jed Sparks
Front row: Sudan Kariuki, Ellie Goud
Sparks Lab 2017
Front row: Dr. Jed Sparks, Ben Johnson, Kelsey Jensen, Ellie Goud.
Back row: Lizzie Lombardi, Adam MacDonald, John Pollak, Kimberlee Sparks, Melly He.