Physical Society Colloquium

Creating a Culture of Change to Retain and Advance Students Underrepresented in Physics

Mia Ong

TERC

This presentation will address elements involved in creating a culture of change to retain and advance students underrepresented in physics and other STEM fields. Drawing from nearly three decades’ worth of research in U.S. STEM higher education, Dr. Ong will discuss social barriers disproportionately experienced by members of certain demographic populations, as well as efforts taken by these members to persist in their studies. Unfortunately, such efforts often rely on individual, fix-the-student solutions and take substantial time, energy, and focus away from STEM learning and enjoyment. Dr. Ong will describe examples of long-term, systemic solutions enacted by STEM departments and professional societies. She will conclude with a transformational change model that uses inclusion and belonging as a lens for creating change.