Plenary Speaker Profile (2022-23)
Arlene Modeste
Diversity Task Force Project Manager
American Institute of Physics TEAM-UP

Arlene Modeste Knowles is the Project Manager and primary driver for the American Institute of Physics TEAM-UP Project, and for TEAM-UP Together, a collective action initiative led by several physical science societies, which aims to double the number of African Americans earning bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy. She successfully guided the TEAM-UP project through the completion of its research phase, which culminated in the TEAM-UP Report, and continues to oversee the project through its implementation phase by engaging and galvanizing the larger STEM community to implement the report’s recommendations for systemic change. For three decades, Ms. Knowles developed, managed, and led diversity, equity, and Inclusion programs at the American Physical Society, the American Institute of Physics, and in partnership with several other physical science societies. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate and leader pushing for diversity, equity, and the inclusion of people marginalized in the physical sciences. Ms. Knowles is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development (pre-med track) from Cornell University.