Ron Buckmire, Occidental’s associate dean for curricular affairs and professor of mathematics, has been named the first-ever vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the world’s largest professional association devoted to applied mathematics.
Buckmire’s primary focus in the newly created position will be to expand SIAM membership across all demographics and establish an ethos of equity and inclusion throughout all of the Society’s programs and activities.
“I’m very excited to serve as SIAM's first vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion, especially with incoming Executive Director Suzanne Weekes, a longtime colleague and friend,” says Buckmire. “In my career as an educator, researcher, and professional, I have always felt the most comfortable with SIAM, and I relish the opportunity to align my efforts with Suzanne's to make SIAM the most equitable, diverse, and inclusive it can be.”
At Occidental, Buckmire is a co-principal investigator for the successful Creating Opportunities in Science and Mathematics for Occidental Students (COSMOS) program, designed to address the national shortage of STEM graduates by recruiting underrepresented and academically talented first-year students.
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion should flow through every vein of SIAM. As such, a voice dedicated to EDI should be at every council and board meeting, where policies are set and financial decisions are made,” said Lisa Fauci, SIAM president. “We are excited to welcome Ron in this important role and believe his experience aligns with the core responsibilities and goals of this new position.”
Buckmire also has served on multiple committees to promote diversity in mathematics at national organizations such as the Committee on Minority Participation in Mathematics at the Mathematical Association of America. He is also a member of the board of directors of Spectra, an organization for LGBT mathematicians.
In 2011-13 and 2016-18, he served as lead program director of the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. A member of the Occidental faculty since 1994, he has twice served as chair of the Mathematics Department.
