Claudia Brodkin receives College of Science Diversity Award
Claudia P. Brodkin, manager of the undergraduate chemistry labs at Virginia Tech, was recently awarded the College of Science Diversity Award for 2008.
The annual award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions in diversity on campus
"Claudia has done an excellent job of weaving her interests in diversity and inclusion throughout her work and in helping to make an impact," said Ray Plaza, director of diversity initiatives at the university. "She has certainly made a difference within the Hispanic/Latino community in the chemistry department, and I believe she has helped to create a change on the Virginia Tech campus."
Brodkin has devoted significant efforts to helping women and Latinos who come through the lab excel in science. She has served on the Hispanic Caucus Steering Committee and the university's Hispanic Achievement Ceremony planning committee, and is a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens. In addition, she is a founding member of the New River Valley Chapter of the Association for Women in Science and is an honorary member of Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society.
"Claudia has made contributions in dealing with diversity from her Hispanic/Latino roots, to issues of gender and climate concerns," Plaza said. "She was instrumental in developing a community of respect in the chemistry labs and is passionate about the role of women in the sciences."
