Our staff spotlight series continues with a deeper dive into the experiences and perspectives of the HEI staff — Continue reading to hear some recent thoughts from Elexus Robinson, Research Associate I
In my current role as a research evaluator, I am committed to advocating for aspiring Black and Brown youth to pursue their scientific aspirations. I am driven by the belief that exploration offers a remarkable opportunity for boundless growth and self-discovery.
What is one achievement or project you’re most proud of from the last 12 months?
I take immense pride in the accomplishments of the Clarkson ADVANCE project. Over the past few years, this team has demonstrated remarkable progress despite the initial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project’s primary objective is to effect transformative change within the STEM community at Clarkson, specifically focusing on promoting gender-equitable practices among the STEM faculty.
My engagement as an evaluator with this project has been particularly rewarding due to the unwavering dedication exhibited by both the project leadership and faculty members. Their collective commitment to this initiative is truly commendable.
In addition to their comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, spanning from institutional policy enhancements to the implementation of professional development workshops, they have also taken proactive steps such as developing allyship training tailored for male faculty members. This multifaceted strategy underscores their holistic commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable STEM environment.
Who are the people in our company you’d most like to learn from– and what would they teach you?
I habitually find valuable insights in my interactions with Tashera Gale, PhD, one of our Directors of Evaluation and Research here at HEI. Tashera possesses exceptional expertise in managing intricate client relationships and navigating complex projects. Her consistent demonstration of professionalism and sophistication sets a standard that I aspire to emulate. The challenges inherent to our work, shaped by the nuances of higher education and its conventions, can be formidable.
Given the paramount importance of client relations to our work at HEI, Tashera’s adeptness in this realm is pivotal. Effective client engagement stands as a linchpin for the impactful and transformative initiatives pursued collectively by our team at HEI, which makes the skill she possesses evermore coveted.
Who is your dream client / someone you’d love to work with in the future?
I am keenly interested in collaborating with any organization or institution dedicated to serving underrepresented minorities, with a particular emphasis on partnering with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and advocating for the advancement of STEM education within the Black and Brown communities.
If you could go back to college tomorrow, what would you choose as your major and why?
Looking back, I believe majoring in Anthropology or Archaeology would have been a more fitting path for me which would have led to a career as a practicing Archaeologist today. This aspiration is rooted in my deep appreciation for history, particularly Ancient Near East history, coupled with my faith in Christianity whose origins trace back to the Middle East.
As someone who identifies as a practicing sociologist, I actually enjoy applying the principles of my discipline to historical contexts. Nonetheless, the opportunity of unearthing humanity’s past to shed light on our present remains captivating to me. The prospect of hands-on exploration, involving literal digging in the soil, genuinely excites me. Even during my childhood, I subscribed to National Geographic and was particularly enthralled by the coverage of Egyptology, Assyriology–a passion that still resonates with me.
In my current role as a research evaluator, I am committed to advocating for aspiring Black and Brown youth to pursue their scientific aspirations. I am driven by the belief that exploration offers a remarkable opportunity for boundless growth and self-discovery. This conviction is born from my own journey and fuels my dedication to encouraging the next generation to embark on their own transformative paths in the sciences.