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Abstract Detail



Enhancing Scientist Diversity in Plant Biology Luncheon

Adams, Gretchen [1].

Can I Really Make a Difference? Enhancing Diversity in the Sciences Through Mentoring: The critical role we play and how to get involved.

Mentoring is key to retaining and recruiting students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially those from underrepresented groups. Studies show that undergraduate students who are mentored tend to have higher GPAs, higher retention rates, and more units completed per semester as compared to their un-mentored colleagues. In addition, findings also show that many students become interested in science or math as children. Efforts to encourage students to enter scientific fields need to start in the elementary grades and continue into the future. Mentoring at all ages addresses critical facets of student identity and social integration into academics and practicing science as a community. Furthermore, it provides a core support system for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. Thus, it is imperative that we, as scientists and students in the STEM fields, contribute to the mentoring process. But how can we get involved? What “age group” is best for me? What can I offer to others, especially those from underrepresented groups? How do I find the time? In this talk, I will discuss the importance of mentoring and why diversity in the scientific workforce matters. We will brainstorm some of the mentoring opportunities available, discuss concrete ways that we can all contribute, and examine approaches to mentoring that takes into account individual personalities. This talk will include interactive discussion with each other, the speaker, and some live chemical demonstrations (Yes!!! you read right) as a creative way to visualize the mentoring process.


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1 - University of Illinois, Director of Undergraduate Studies, 601 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Special Presentation
Session: TE13
Location: Riverview Room/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 12:00 PM
Number: TE13001
Abstract ID:567
Candidate for Awards:None


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