Paving the way for a more diverse next generation of ecological forecasters

Alyssa Willson, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, Tracy A. Bibelnieks, Swenson College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, Nievita Bueno Watts, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, Diana Dalbotten, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, MN, Lisa Haber, Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Shannon L. LaDeau, Cary Insitute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, Jason McLachlan, Department of Biology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, Olivia Tabares-Mendoza, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Oriente, Campus Puebla, Mexico, México D.F, Mexico, Tadhg Moore, Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, Jody A. Peters, Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, Anna Sjodin, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, Gretchen Stokes, School of Natural Resources & Environment, University of Floria, Gainesville, FL, Laura Super, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Alexander Young, Forest and Natural Resource Management, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY and John Zobitz, Department of Mathematics, Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN

Ecological forecasters, as participants in a quantitatively advanced field, have a responsibility to actively work towards diversifying participation. As participants in an emerging field, we at the Ecological Forecasting Initiative have the unique opportunity to establish a culture of inclusivity as the discipline grows. Our ultimate goal is to improve equity in the access to and quality of ecological forecasting education. We detail progress on our current initiatives, including collaborations with students and faculty at minority serving institutions to identify areas where current educational resources do not meet student needs, and leveraging the NEON Forecasting Challenge to develop forecasting curricula.