Science Journal Spotlight: Creating a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive College
The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted issues around equality and accessibility. In the Winter 2021 issue of the Science Journal, we highlight several efforts to improve these aspects within the college.
Impact on Educational Equity in Science
Amid a national call to action for racial equity and justice, six educational equity scholarships were established by alumni and friends of the college. These scholarships will support the financial needs of students whose gender, race, ethnic, cultural, and/or national background contribute to the diversity of the college’s undergraduate student community.
Who Succeeds in Math?
Penn State mathematician Nate Brown is cataloging instructor behaviors—many of which are rooted in sexist, racist stereotypes—that students say influence whether they believe they can succeed in math and if they feel like they belong in math. He ultimately hopes to influence how instructors view and teach their students.
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Ala Stanford
Alumna Ala Stanford created a mobile clinic to provide free COVID-19 testing to Philadelphia residents, including Black communities that have been disproportionately affected by the virus. In response to injustice and disparities in the health care system, she hopes to open a center to continue to reach underserved communities after the pandemic.
An Academic and Activist
In addition to maintaining a research program, graduate student Lynnicia Massenburg strives to provide new opportunities for her BIPOC peers.
View the rest of this issue at the Science Journal web page.