Ann Arbor, MI - The University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology (UMMP) is delighted to announce that Dr. Jennifer Bauer, UMMP Collection Manager, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Diversity Engagement and Enhancement in Paleontology (DEEP) Award by the Paleontological Society. This prestigious award recognizes early career professionals and students who have significantly contributed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the global paleontology community. 

Dr. Bauer has been a champion for diversity and inclusion both at the UMMP and in the wider paleontological discipline, demonstrating unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive environment within the paleontological community. 

Jen is co-founder and current co-president of Time Scavengers, a non-profit organization aimed at increasing accessibility to science and scientists. Time Scavengers boasts a substantial online presence, providing educational resources and highlighting the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in paleontology through features like "Meet the Scientist". The organization has created and raised funding for the Tilly Edinger Grant and the Virtual Internship Program for Science Communication, both designed to support diversity in paleontology. 

Dr. Bauer has also played a pivotal role in advocating for an anti-racist plan for geoscience societies. Her efforts, alongside a diverse coalition of colleagues, resulted in a petition that garnered over 26,000 signatures, earning recognition with a Presidential Citation from the American Geophysical Union. Additionally, Dr. Bauer was a co-author on "An actionable anti-racism plan for geoscience organizations" (Nature Communications, 2021). 

Within U-M, Dr. Bauer serves as the Museum of Paleontology’s Inclusive Culture Liaison, ensuring that staff is updated on DEI efforts and resources. She has actively worked with our college’s DEI office and disability navigators to raise issues with accessibility issues in our offsite research collections, and as the Museum's liaison to the Friends of the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology, Jen organizes talks by diverse speakers to broaden perspectives and has secured funds for paid opportunities, aiming to increase diversity among future generations of paleontologists.

The University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology congratulates Dr. Jennifer Baur on this well-deserved recognition and is proud to have her as a leader in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in paleontology. Her efforts continue to inspire positive change within the discipline and beyond.