Training and events
Human Rights and Equity provides presentations and information to members of the university community on issues related to respectful work and learning environments.
We also provide learning opportunities on the subject of equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as resource development.
Contact humanrights@unb.ca to discuss how we can assist.
Upcoming events
Black and racialized faculty and staff meet-up
UNB Fredericton
May 20 | 12:10 - 1 p.m.
Harriet Irving Library, Active Learning Lab, Room 303
Register now
Equations of empathy: moving contentious conversations forward with math
UNB Saint John
May 13 | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Phillip Oland Hall, Room 105
Students, staff and faculty
Register now
Workshop overview
We all hope that contentious conversations can be guided by empathy, respect and reason, yet they often feel frustrating or circular. This workshop introduces a surprising tool for bridging divides: a “human-friendly math tool box” inspired by developments in behavioural economics, psychology and decision science.
Without requiring participants to engage in formal mathematics, Jon Sensinger demonstrates how math-informed frameworks can clarify values, reveal shared goals and reframe disagreements. Through examples such as equity vs. equality and targeted hiring and prosperity, participants will learn practical ways to move conversations forward. Interactive and accessible to all, regardless of math background or political perspective, this session focuses not on getting the math right, but on helping dialogue go better.
Presenter
Jon Sensinger is the director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and a professor of electrical engineering at UNB, situated on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Wolastoqiyik. Trained as an interdisciplinary biomedical engineer and as a clinical prosthetist and licensed as a professional engineer in New Brunswick, he has worked in Chicago and Thailand and co-founded Coapt LLC, the first company to successfully market pattern recognition for prostheses.
His research interests include prostheses, exoskeletons, human-machine interfaces and curiosity-driven artificial intelligence. He leads a team of faculty, scientists, engineers, clinicians and students who share a commitment to improving lives locally and globally.
Jon is a generally curious person who values integrity, wonder and future generations. His personal interests include supporting Wabanaki friends, land, and languages; chess; taekwondo; ultimate Frisbee; instrument-making and playing; and reading and recommending books.
