DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

This recent article in C&E News addresses social science aspects of the diversity question we discussed last week.

- Ralph

Helping students (re)think of themselves as scientists
Understanding science identity and expanding the definition of a scientist to make chemistry more empathetic and equitable

https://cen.acs.org/education/undergraduate-education/Helping-students-rethink-themselves-scientists/98/i28?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=CEN

Are you a scientist? Are you known as â??the science personâ?? within your group of friends? Have you ever reflected on a professional milestoneâ??your first publication, first large conference, or first lab classâ??and thought to yourself â??wow, Iâ??m a real chemist nowâ???
Justin Carmel, an assistant professor of chemistry at Florida International University, explains that an identity is â??this feeling that you either belong or donâ??t belong to a certain group of people.â?? Science identity intersects with and is influenced by a personâ??s other identities, such as race, gender, or religion. Researchers have found that the sense of belonging in science matters more than grades and background when it comes to keeping students in science majors and careers.

Creating a more equitable, inclusive, and leakproof STEM pipeline requires helping more students feel like scientists. The challenge is, how do science educators do that, when feeling like a scientist is such a personal thing?

....

Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org

Membership chair
American Chemical Society
Division of Chemical Health and Safety

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