Physical Society Colloquium

Under-representation of Women in the McGill Physics Department

Peter Grutter (Department Chair)
Rachel Zellars (McGill Social Equity and Diversity Education Office)
Susan Gaskin (Co-chair of the McGill Senate Subcommittee on Women)
Régine Debrosse (PGSS Equity Officer)

Looking around the Rutherford Building, it is easy to recognize that Physics is a male-dominated field. Despite recent steps toward gender equity (WiP committee, female faculty hires), the number of female students enrolled at all academic levels has failed to increase over the last decade. While this gender disparity is quite obvious, the factors leading to it are often more subtle. The aim of this colloquium is to discuss the social factors leading to underrepresentation of women in the department, including implicit bias, imposter syndrome, microaggressions, and lack of visible role models. Finally, we will hear about existing initiatives at McGill aimed at addressing female underrepresentation in STEM fields. This talk will be the first in a series of presentations aimed at making the department a more inclusive place.