Diversity in science is essential
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Transcript of Diversity in science is essential
Diversity in science is essential
Two reasons and a problem
1. Diversity benefits science.
• Diversity is a property of a group. Science depends on groups.
• Diversity adds: (i) perspective, (ii) interpretation, (iii) tools.
Scientific breakthrough often results from a different approach, a different interpretation, and/or a different set of tools.
• Diversity trumps homogeneity and ability when:
(i) hard problem, (ii) multiple ways to look at the problem; (iii) large set of problem-solvers
- Scott Page, The Difference, 2007, Princeton University Press
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2. Future scientists from a diverse talent pool.
“Majority Minority”• U.S. population - 2042• U.S. 18 yrs and younger - 2018
Problem: We fail to take advantage of the diverse talent pool
NSF data for 2006, from Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation, National Academies, 2011.
U.S. talent pool
29 %URM
Scientific workforce
White + AsianURM
9 % URM
Undergraduate persistence in science
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Persistence of undergrad STEM aspirants
5-year completion of 2004 STEM aspirants
Data from Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA
Purdue University
Strategies and Numbers
“The College of Science will engage its entire membership in promoting the shared responsibility for diversity so that we can build a community of excellence within the college that reflects the diversity of Indiana and the nation and where underrepresented groups achieve a self-sustaining critical mass of faculty, students, and staff with opportunities for growth and professional success.”
Insight, Innovation, ImpactThe College of Science 2008-2014 Strategic Plan
Strategies…
21. Targeted opportunities to increase the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students…
22. Written departmental plans for achieving diversity….climate issues must be addressed in these plans….
23. Leadership training and leadership opportunities….
24. Institutionalize diversity….
…increase….plans….climate….training….institutionalize
Numbers and competencies
Numbers: baseline
US
29% URMs
Indiana
15.2% URMs
Purdue
6.8% URMs
Numbers: URM persistence in science
Purdue
PurdueIntro
Baccala
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Grad sc
hool0.00%1.00%2.00%3.00%4.00%5.00%6.00%7.00%8.00%9.00%
US IntroBaccalaureate PhD0%
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Numbers: URM persistence in selected Purdue STEM courses
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23. Leadership training and leadership opportunities….
CompetenciesLearn to talk about difference
From “commitment” to progress…
• Specific goals owned by all• Know your baseline numbers• Measure progress toward goals
“This strategic plan is our roadmap for excellence and affirms our determination to retain our top ranking as one of the premier scientific hubs in the world.”
Insight, Innovation, ImpactPurdue College of Science Strategic Plan
2008-2014
NSF WEBCASPAR (2000-05)
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Undergraduate years are critical
G. Huang et al., 2000, Entry and persistence of women and minorities in college science and engineering education, US. Dept. Education, National Center for Education Statistics
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Persistence of undergrad STEM aspirants
21. Targeted opportunities to increase the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students…..
22. Written departmental plans for achieving diversity….climate issues must be addressed in these plans….
24. Institutionalize diversity….
1. Diversity benefits science.