ODI Team
The Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) operates a number of programs designed to increase equitable access to STEM education and careers, especially in those fields that support the operation of a National Science Foundation-funded national observatory. We do this work by creating and facilitating student research and education opportunities, engaging in national and international dialogue on equity and education, and facilitating opportunities to broaden the impact of our work to the local, national, and international communities.
Jesse is helping BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Youth " remember" and reclaim their connections with space-time through hands-on amateur radio experiences. He is an ARRL-Certified Volunteer Examiner and Instructor and holds an Extra Class amateur radio license, callsign WB2IFS. He holds an M.Eng.EE in wireless communications from Howard University.
Jennifer Bates is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked in the behavioral health field for over ten years. She joined NRAO after serving as The Director of Training and DEI for a large community based mental Health Services Agency In central Virginia. Jennifer is a Broadening Participation Program Manager and is the Project Lead for Project RADIAL.
Valarie has over twenty years of experience educating people of all ages. In her role as Superknova program manager, she can ensure that quality, culturally responsive/inclusive educational resources are available at no cost.
Click here to see Valarie's full biography.
Anja leads broader impacts activities across the NRAO to ensure that we are a diverse and inclusive Observatory. Anja is also project lead for NINE, the Sloan Foundation Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM program, and SpectrumX; and leads broadening participation efforts for the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Jamie is a senior eLearning architect and project director with over 20 years of experience implementing and managing hybrid learning programs. For the past 3 years, Jamie has advised and helped develop eLearning to support NSF and NRAO initiatives such as Superknova. He also manages our Learning Management Systems and our websites.
Danielle Rowland (she/her) is a Broadening Participation Programs Manager at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). She has a B.A. in Astrophysics from Columbia University and is an enrolled member of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. At NRAO she manages all student facing aspects of programs operated by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Danielle has a background in astronomy, educational outreach, and equity and inclusion efforts.
Click here to see Danielle's full bio
In her role as Director of D&I at NRAO, Lyndele is focused on supporting a truly welcoming and inclusive climate at the Observatory and on removing barriers to equitable access to STEM by students from marginalized and excluded communities.
