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Increasing Diversity in Developmental Biology
Graciela A Unguez1, Karen L Bennett2, Carmen Domingo3
1Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States.
Frontiers in Sociology
|February 24, 2022
Summary
The Choose Development! Program successfully recruits and retains underrepresented minority students in scientific careers. This initiative demonstrates that community-based mentoring and advocacy can foster greater inclusivity within scientific societies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Developmental Biology
- Scientific Workforce Diversity
Background:
- The scientific and biomedical workforce in the U.S. lacks demographic diversity, mirroring broader societal inequities.
- This underrepresentation raises concerns about future research capacity, innovation, and the integrity of science.
- Addressing these disparities is crucial for scientific advancement and social justice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of the Society for Developmental Biology's (SDB) Choose Development! Program in diversifying the scientific workforce.
- To evaluate the program's impact on retaining underrepresented (UR) undergraduate students in STEM careers.
- To understand how the program influenced inclusivity within the SDB community.
Main Methods:
- A two-summer immersion program pairing UR undergraduate students with SDB member researchers.
- Implementation of a multi-tier mentoring plan, society-wide recognition, and professional development activities.
- Leveraging program strengths to promote inclusion at the SDB leadership level (Board of Directors).
Main Results:
- The Choose Development! Program successfully engaged UR undergraduate students in research.
- The program facilitated significant changes within the SDB community, including leadership diversity.
- Evidence suggests long-term advocacy and mentoring are effective in retaining UR students in science.
Conclusions:
- Community-based, long-term advocacy and mentoring are vital for retaining UR students in scientific career paths.
- The Choose Development! Program model effectively enhances inclusivity within scientific societies.
- Diversifying the scientific workforce requires sustained, multifaceted engagement strategies.
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