Science Editor Sarah Braner and Deputy Editor Rania Borgani reached out to Barnard to learn more about the specifics of the Barnard Year of Science such as funding allocations, the role the humanities may play, and the lasting impact of the BYOS.

During Barnard’s Fall 2021 Convocation, President Beilock announced the Barnard Year of Science (BYOS). In her speech, President Beilock emphasized the need for science programming, while highlighting the progress the College has made in establishing itself as a leading institution in the STEM field. Below is a record of the written interview Bwog conducted regarding the new initiative, which has been lightly edited for clarity. 

Did the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of effective science communication play a role in the inception of the BYOS? Why is the BYOS happening now?

The BYOS is an initiative that’s been years in the making, but the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly added to the urgency of our mission. The quick development of COVID-19 vaccines has shown us the power of scientific discovery to safeguard and improve human life, but the past few years have highlighted glaring disparities in who participates in science and who benefits from its advances, as well as how effectively—or not—scientific results are communicated to the public.

Barnard’s opportunity and obligation is to help open science to young people—and especially young women, who for so long have been steered away from scientific pursuits. We believe that diversity of thought and lived experience produce greater knowledge, discoveries, and insights. By uplifting and showcasing the work done by our faculty, students, and alums in contributing to the most pressing challenges and scientific opportunities of our time, the BYOS will do just that.

Given that a goal of the BYOS is to uplift students, faculty, and alums who are participating in scientific opportunities, how do you see more humanities-focused students fitting into the BYOS?

It’s a great question and one we have thought a lot about. Our goal is to highlight that STEM is a part of the liberal arts. It’s not the liberal arts and sciences. It’s just the liberal arts. As such, we plan to focus the BYOS in drawing out meaningful connections between the arts and the sciences, emphasizing how fluency in STEM disciplines can actually enhance students’ abilities and opportunities in the arts and humanities (and vice versa). This year, the College is planning a number of events and programs that highlight and celebrate innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as how science and art impact one another. One beautiful example of this relationship is featured prominently on Barnard’s campus! The College plans to devote May and June to celebrate the intersection of arts and STEM—more information will be added to our BYOS webpage in the coming months.

Is the College planning to create new fellowships/internships/paid positions for students or alumnae as a part of the initiative?

Barnard’s Summer Research Institute (SRI) has seen significant growth year over year, with this past summer being the largest to date—243 students. We anticipate continued growth in SRI in 2022. We are always looking to enhance the opportunities for research, internships, and jobs for our students and alumnae, and the momentum around the BYOS can be expected to both highlight what we do well and lead to more opportunities in the pipeline.

How are the BYOS initiatives being funded? Will it increase tuition? How long has Barnard been fundraising for this project? What did the “silent phase” of the BYOS entail?

We are always raising funds for all of our programs, science included, and began raising funds this past year for science facilities renovations. The “silent phase” of a capital campaign is a time before the official announcement of a campaign, when marketing communications are officially silent and where we secure funds from several donors whose leadership and giving can inspire others to support the College. We are pleased to report that we are currently 85% to our goal and hope to reach it this academic year.

What are the material aspects of the BYOS? Specifically, is there a rough breakdown of funding allocations to specific departments?

Barnard’s $250 million campaign will ensure that STEM not only grows but flourishes at the College. This funding will support capital improvements, including renovating and expanding Altschul Hall; dramatically expanded programming; named professorships; STEM internships, and other career-related opportunities; support for first-generation and low-income students in the sciences; and community engagement, among other fundraising priorities. We estimate that capital costs will range from $200 million to $220 million, and funds for other uses will total between $30 and $50 million.

Given Barnard’s desire to inspire financial support for STEM initiatives and expand programming, does the College foresee any changes being made to the structuring of STEM majors?

We do not anticipate changes owing directly to the activities of BYOS. Our departmental majors—including requirements, electives, and structure—are decided by the faculty of the department, and are dynamic and under constant review. Our majors are rigorous, requiring a depth of knowledge in the discipline and a breadth of understanding of interdisciplinary connections. Students already have an immersive capstone experience via their senior thesis projects and the SRI. In the BYOS we are highlighting, among other things, the success of what we already do—some of these projects and student stories. The success of both SRI and programs like (SP)² [The Science Pathways Scholars Program] clearly demonstrate our commitment to the sciences. 

Additionally, what renovations in Altschul Hall are needed? What is the timeline like for these renovations? Will science-specific rooms be prioritized? What labs are being renovated? Will these renovations decrease class offerings or increase class sizes?

Altschul Hall requires updating to meet the level of research and teaching happening in the space. Our main areas of interest are size, condition, and flexibility in offering state-of-the-art STEM instruction and research space. Renovation of the existing building, as well as expansion, will provide much-needed space and critical infrastructure, and architectural upgrades to support the College’s goals for excellence in the sciences. It is envisioned that the entire existing building will be renovated and expanded. The College is at the beginning of planning and designing this work and will announce information about how and when the renovations will be implemented at a future date during the Year of Science. 

Will the BYOS coincide with any new sustainability initiatives? Did sustainability play a role in the BYOS?

The renovation of Altschul Hall is in itself one of the biggest sustainability initiatives that Barnard could pursue, as the modernization of the building’s systems and infrastructure will bring about significant positive changes in terms of energy consumption. In fact, the aged mechanical systems in Altschul Hall serve other nearby buildings as well, which means that the improvements to the systems in Altschul will have an even greater positive impact on the overall campus.

As we proceed into the planning phases of the project, focus groups and discussions will be held to discuss sustainable design and construction practices, material choices, and operational parameters. Soon we will announce the selection of the design architect and engineers for the project. These firms all possess extraordinary expertise in sustainability, energy efficiency, and healthy buildings, and we know the community will be excited to engage in these important discussions with the team we have selected. 

Is Barnard planning any initiatives to increase visibility and support for racial and gender minorities in STEM as part of the BYOS?

Yes, major gifts have already been secured toward the (SP)² program, Student Research Fellowships, STEAM in the City, Summer Research Institute, and STEM internship support. 

Barnard’s academic departments are also infusing DEI principles into their work and research. For example, Biology’s efforts towards DEI in STEM include the creation of an Anti-Racism Working Group made up of students, staff, faculty, and alums working together towards racial justice in biology at Barnard, and curricular redesigns that introduce students to undergraduate research and demystify the process of finding placements in a lab.

What will be the lasting impacts of the BYOS? Do you foresee future classes benefiting from its creation?

I hope so. One goal of BYOS is to make sure those in the Barnard community and those beyond the community know of and understand Barnard’s eminence in the sciences as well as they do our eminence in the arts and humanities. Telling this story benefits our students now and will help attract the best students and support for those students in the future. Highlighting our prominence in the sciences will also help bring a pipeline of outstanding faculty to build on the excellent work of our stellar science faculty today. 

Image via Bwog Staff