Culture & Belonging
Rooted in trust, driven by community, powered by belonging
At the Pratt School of Engineering, we believe that community impact and a deep sense of belonging are essential to advancing education, research and innovation.
What We Do
We are committed to creating an environment where every student, faculty and staff member feels respected, connected and empowered to thrive. Through partnerships across Pratt and Duke, we cultivate meaningful relationships, support purposeful engagement and foster a culture grounded in collaboration and shared purpose.
We carry out this commitment through the following efforts:
- Steward the philanthropy of alumna Valecia Maclin, Class of 1992
- Convene our community for programs, workshops and community events
- Provide leadership, especially through the Committee on Culture & Belonging and the Student Advisory Council
- Advise and assist colleagues as they strengthen community initiatives in departments and units
- Maintain vital lines of communication, especially through the Community Connections newsletter (Duke NetID required)
- Collaborate intentionally with peers, including the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
2025-2026 Pratt Culture & Belonging Committee
The Culture & Belonging Committee (Former DEIC Committee) is a representative body dedicated to fostering a more connected and inclusive culture at the Pratt School of Engineering. Comprised of students, staff, faculty and postdocs across four subcommittees, the committee partners collaborate with departmental and school leadership to shape, implement and assess strategic priorities that strengthen our community.
The committee is chaired by Cloe Liparini and is comprised of Pratt staff, postdocs and faculty who are focused on four priority areas:
- Building Community Through Behaviors
- Recruitment and Retention
- Workplace and Professional Development
- Mentorship
The committee has representation from across Pratt departments and centers. To find your department or unit liaisons, see the 2025-2026 Committee Members below.
2025-2026 Committee – currently looking to fill:
- Two Postdoc Representatives from Pratt
- One Staff Representative from CEE
- One Staff Representative from MEMS
- One Faculty/EIR Representative from ECE
- One Faculty/EIR Representative from IEnE
Adria Shipp Dunbar
Executive In Residence in the Pratt School of Engineering
Henri P Gavin
W.H. Gardner Jr. Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Professor in the Department of CEE
Aaron M Kyle
Professor of the Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Rebecca Simmons
Professor of the Practice in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Culture & Belonging Departmental Resources
Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council
The Pratt Culture & Belonging Student Advisory Council is a student-led body that helps shape a more connected and inclusive culture at the Pratt School of Engineering. Representing undergraduate and graduate voices across departments and programs, council members provide insight on student experiences, offer feedback on initiatives, and co-create events, programs and strategies that strengthen our community.
By building bridges between students and school leadership, the council ensures that student perspectives help guide decision-making and contribute to a learning environment where all students feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive. APPLY NOW – We are still looking to fill master’s and PhD vacancies.
We are committed to fostering a learning and working environment where everyone feels supported both personally and professionally. This page provides information about practical resources available to our community. These curated links are part of our commitment to creating a culture of care, access and belonging.