Field Inclusive was founded to address a critical gap in the natural sciences: the lack of safety, support, and belonging for marginalized and historically excluded individuals working in the field.
The Challenge: Social Field Safety
Fieldwork can place individuals from marginalized identities in unfamiliar and sometimes unsafe environments. Experiences of bias, exclusion, and harassment can impact both safety and scientific work (Burgess et al., In Prep).
Artwork by Dameon Williams.
How Field Inclusive Began
Field Inclusive was founded by two graduate students who experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating fieldwork as marginalized scientists. Recognizing a lack of resources and support, they created Field Inclusive to build a safer, more inclusive path forward.
Pictured: FI Founders Lauren D. Pharr (PhD; CFO) and Murry Burgess (PhD; CEO), PC: NC State Alumni Magazine
What We Do
Field Inclusive works to:
- Build inclusive community and training opportunities
- Improve social field safety
- Provide accessibility resources
- Support researchers through funding
Pictured: Beginning Birder Program Participants, PC: Wake Audubon
Our Mission
Field Inclusive provides tangible, actionable improvements in the natural sciences by addressing social field safety and supporting marginalized researchers through resources, funding, and training.
Our Vision
We envision a world where the outdoors is safe and welcoming for all, regardless of identity.
Our Goals
- Center marginalized voices in field sciences
- Improve safety in fieldwork environments
- Expand access through funding and training
- Support inclusive participation in outdoor spaces