Nanotechnology, specifically carbon nanomaterials, have become of high interest in many applications. One area of interest involves separation techniques towards clean water. As one of the Grand Challenges, providing improved clean water for the growing population will continue to be of great need. Carbon nanomaterials have been established as one pathway to creating enhanced purification systems that could improve the way in which clean/purified water is obtained. However, there remains an open discussion regarding the societal implications on the responsible development of nanotechnology for environmental applications. The idea of “one size fits all” does not exist when developing technology for a broad spectrum of society. Integration of students in research, and tapping hidden knowledge and talent, has been of high importance, especially when focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The term “DEI” has become commonplace in many vision statements for education institutions and corporations. However, has the use of DEI blinded us to what it means to “practice what we preach”? On many campuses, there is still a struggle to implement DEI initiatives due to internal and external forces. A grassroots understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion needs to happen in order people to properly engage in practicing its true meaning. This starts by understanding the broad array of groups that are impacted by our daily actions. In this talk, recent results on utilizing CNM aerogels for water purification will be connected to ideas on best practices for enhancing the culture around the campus and in the research laboratory. A deep dive into the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will open the door for more in-depth conversations focused on creating an environment where people, especially undergraduate students, feel a sense of belonging enabling new transformative ideas to take root such that responsible development in the research space can be embraced by the broader society.
