UPDATED: Feb. 5, 2019 at 10:45 p.m.

“Lab Girl” was selected as the required reading component for next semester’s SEM 100 freshman forum.

“Lab Girl,” a 2016 memoir written by geobiologist Hope Jahren, focuses on Jahren’s discovery of her interest in science and success as a researcher. The university’s Inclusive Leadership Assembly selected the book.

“The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah’s memoir, “Born a Crime,” was the first selection for SEM 100, a five-week mandatory program for first year students created to discuss diversity and inclusion. Noah’s book detailed his upbringing in South Africa and racism in a country with government-mandated racial segregation.

Though the “Lab Girl” does not focus on issues of race and racial diversity, as Noah’s did, SU officials said it was chosen because it examines themes of belonging, working in a men-dominated field and mental health.

“As an institution of higher learning, this story relates well to the concept of intellectual adversity and courage to pioneer within a field,” Amanda Nicholson, assistant provost and dean of student success, said in an email. “The book examines issues of identity and belonging that can resonate with us all.”

Jahren, who now lives in Norway, could not be reached for comment.

Changes to SEM 100 for the next academic year have not been announced, but the First-Year Experience Initiative Steering Committee will use feedback from surveys and focus groups to improve the program, Kira Reed, provost faculty fellow and associate professor of management, said in an email.

“The intent of SEM 100 is to provide students with a community-building shared experience that allows them to explore their own identity and develop a perspective of the similarities and differences across all our identities,” Reed said.

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this post, the group who selected the new book for the freshman forum was misstated. The university’s Inclusive Leadership Assembly selected the book. The Daily Orange regrets this error.

Published on February 5, 2019 at 10:14 pm

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