As a white cis-gendered person, I acknowledge that I largely come from a position of privilege, but as a first-generation college student and a woman in a male-dominated field, I am keenly aware of the need to use my privilege to provide opportunities for traditionally under-served groups.
        I affirm that black, brown, indigenous, and queer lives matter, and that all are welcome in my lab and the Section of Amphibians and Reptiles. Our section hosts regular diversity, equity, and inclusion meetings to educate ourselves on privilege and bias, and to hold ourselves accountable on actions we can take to improve diversity within the museum and in science. I recognize that I have work to do before I can state that I am truly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and seek feedback and assistance in further action from individuals who experience minoritized identities.