At the core of my work in astrophysics lies a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the scientific community. As the Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s rightly emphasizes, "the people who make up the profession are the most fundamental component of the astronomy and astrophysics research enterprise." This belief guides my efforts to address systemic barriers to justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (JDEIA) in all aspects of my research, teaching, and outreach.
Diversity as an Asset: Diversity brings different perspectives, which are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge. My work within various large-scale collaborations, including the Dark Energy Survey (DES), Rubin LSST DESC, and others, reflects my dedication to creating inclusive environments where diverse voices are valued and empowered to contribute fully.
Systemic Change and Anti-Racism: I have advocated for the implementation of anti-racism training and actionable strategies aimed at dismantling systemic racism in academic and research settings. I believe that understanding the roots of systemic inequities is essential for fostering a truly inclusive scientific community.
Making Science Accessible: Accessibility in education and research is another critical focus of my work. As Chair of the LSST DESC Meetings Committee, I led efforts to establish guidelines that ensure accessibility in all collaboration events. Additionally, I have secured resources to make public outreach events, such as Astronomy on Tap, accessible to broader audiences by providing American Sign Language interpreters.
Collaborative Efforts with Latin America: Recognizing the importance of global collaboration, I have established connections between institutions in the United States and Latin America, particularly in my home country of Colombia. These efforts aim to create opportunities for students and researchers from developing regions to engage in cutting-edge astrophysical research.
Inclusive Education: I integrate discussions on JDEIA topics into my teaching, drawing from resources such as the American Institute of Physics' TEAM-UP report and other key initiatives. I believe that educating the next generation of scientists goes hand in hand with promoting social justice and equity in academia.
Outreach in Spanish: As a native Spanish speaker, I have developed numerous strategies to engage the Hispanic community in the United States and Latin America through science outreach. Initiatives like the "Visión Cósmica" podcast and other public engagement efforts highlight my commitment to making science accessible to non-English-speaking audiences.