COLORADO—On June 15, the Rocky Mountain Research Station and Northern Research Station hosted a live discussion of the film “Picture A Scientist.” The live discussion followed a three-day viewing window and was introduced by RMRS Director Monica Lear and NRS Director Cynthia West, followed by opening messages from Chief Vicki Christiansen and Deputy Chief of Research & Development Alex Friend. Dr. Kuheli Dutt, assistant director for Academic Affairs and Diversity at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, part of the Columbia University Earth Institute, served as the guest facilitator.

In their opening remarks, directors West and Lear shared their reflections on the film. Director West said, “This is a really relevant film at a relevant time. As I watched this film, my heart broke, but my heart was lifted as well.”

Director Lear stated, “We have implicit and explicit examples of bias in science and I have come to know that you need some really well-positioned allies to make the cultural change that you need, and those folks need to be pretty strong.”

Chief Christiansen kicked off the discussion with her opening message, saying, “We have made a lot of progress here at the Forest Service, but it’s a journey, not a final destination. I started as a wildland firefighter 41 years ago, and women in wildland fire, you know I don’t have to share my story, because we all have a story. We are trying to make it different for tomorrow, and we are trying to make it different and better for next year and certainly the next generation.”

During the 1 1/2 hour discussion, many of the 135 Forest Service employees attending gave their honest reflections of the film and shared their personal stories. Dr. Dutt did an impressive job facilitating and engaging in conversation with the attendees. She made the statement that “a ton of feathers is still a ton. If we all try to take away a feather a day, we can make a difference.”

The private Forest Service link to the discussion is available for all Forest Service employees. While the complimentary viewing of the film is no longer available, you can find it on Netflix and PBS Passport.