Project Grant 2334964

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $448,575 Project Grant under its Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to Allegheny College to establish a network of small to medium-sized professional societies and implement cultural change initiatives. The key objectives are to: 1) Create a more welcoming and inclusive environment within the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) by revising its guiding policies and providing member training; 2) Facilitate increased diversity in AES membership and leadership through the training program and a "train-the-trainer" model; and 3) Develop resources to help similar scientific societies affordably implement cultural change. The project aims to evaluate the impact of these interventions and expand the network to additional professional societies beyond AES. Allegheny College will serve as the primary awardee, with plans for sub-awards to support the project's implementation.