Emily Bonistall Postel has been named director of the UD ADVANCE Institute.

UD ADVANCE director

Former graduate student leader to direct program aimed at diversifying, strengthening UD faculty

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2:54 p.m., Feb. 24, 2015--As a student government leader for the past several years, Emily Bonistall Postel knows how to navigate the workplace and get things done.

As a sociologist, she has a deep understanding of gender and equity issues.

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Now, Postel is bringing these skills and expertise to her new position as director of the University of Delaware ADVANCE Institute, which is aimed at diversifying and strengthening UD’s faculty.

Postel’s doctoral research focuses on cultural factors and vulnerability to sexual violence, specifically in the international graduate student population. She had originally planned to seek a faculty position after completing her Ph.D. this spring, but she couldn’t pass up the chance to play a leadership role in a program aimed at increasing opportunities for women in academia.

“This program is really a beautiful blend of my research, my administrative experience, and my interest in teaching,” Postel says. “It’s the perfect fit for me.”

In turn, UD ADVANCE principal investigator Pam Cook sees Postel as the perfect fit for the job.

“Emily’s background in sociology, her research area, her UD work experience, and her leadership abilities are all factors that will support our work and contribute to the success of UD ADVANCE,” Cook says. 

As director, Postel will coordinate program activities, supervise support staff, oversee the program’s $4 million budget, and ensure compliance with National Science Foundation reporting requirements. 

She will also be responsible for educating faculty, administrators and senior management regarding diversification of the faculty, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social and behavioral science (SBS) fields.

“I’m very excited to get started with the ADVANCE Institute,” Postel says. “The amount of success the team has already accomplished is impressive, and I’m thrilled that this position will allow me to join these efforts to make the University a better place for women.”

About Emily Bonistall Postel

Emily Bonistall Postel graduated with a double major in sociology and women’s studies in 2009 from the University of Dayton, where she was also active in student government. She joined the University of Delaware in 2009 and earned a master’s degree in sociology in 2011. She expects to complete her doctorate in April.

About UD ADVANCE

Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), UD ADVANCE is aimed at diversifying and strengthening UD’s faculty. Specifically, UD ADVANCE seeks to support and advance the careers of women faculty in STEM and SBS. 

The objectives of UD ADVANCE are to:

  • Improve departmental microclimates for women faculty, especially women of color;
  • Educate, mentor and support women STEM/SBS faculty, especially women post-tenure and women of color;
  • Increase the transparency of policies, procedures and practices that affect faculty careers and enhance institutional data gathering, analysis and presentation; and
  • Coordinate actions and discussions of diversity across the campus.

Article by Diane Kukich

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