Belonging in STEM: an interactive, iterative approach to create and maintain a diverse learning community

Marina J Ayala; Javan K Carter; Avani S Fachon; Samuel M Flaxman; Michael A Gil; Heather V Kenny; Zachary M Laubach; Sage A Madden; Molly T McDermott; Angela Medina-García; Rebecca J Safran; Ellen Scherner; Drew R Schield; Sabela Vasquez-Rey; Julie Volckens

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.004

Belonging in STEM: an interactive, iterative approach to create and maintain a diverse learning community

Trends Ecol Evol. 2021 Nov;36(11):964-967. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.004. Epub 2021 Sep 21.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
² Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA. Electronic address: rebecca.safran@colorado.edu.
³ Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.

PMID: 34561090
DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.004

Abstract

Diversity is a key driver of scientific innovation, yet fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have struggled to retain diverse communities. Research suggests that fostering a sense of belonging is critical for retaining diversity. We propose an iterative process that aims to improve sense of belonging among laboratory (lab) members through self-reflection and community collective action.

Keywords: belonging; community cultural wealth (CCW); critical race theory; justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Engineering
Mathematics
Science*
Technology