Diversity in science is essential

Two reasons and a problem

1. Diversity benefits science.

• Diversity is a property of a group. Science depends on groups.

• Diversity adds: (i) perspective, (ii) interpretation, (iii) tools.

Scientific breakthrough often results from a different approach, a different interpretation, and/or a different set of tools.

• Diversity trumps homogeneity and ability when:

(i) hard problem, (ii) multiple ways to look at the problem; (iii) large set of problem-solvers

- Scott Page, The Difference, 2007, Princeton University Press

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non-Hispanic Whiteall minorities

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2010 2050

2. Future scientists from a diverse talent pool.

“Majority Minority”• U.S. population - 2042• U.S. 18 yrs and younger - 2018

Problem: We fail to take advantage of the diverse talent pool

NSF data for 2006, from Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation, National Academies, 2011.

U.S. talent pool

29 %URM

Scientific workforce

White + AsianURM

9 % URM

Undergraduate persistence in science

white

Asian Americ

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Native

American

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Persistence of undergrad STEM aspirants

5-year completion of 2004 STEM aspirants

Data from Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA

Purdue University

Strategies and Numbers

“The College of Science will engage its entire membership in promoting the shared responsibility for diversity so that we can build a community of excellence within the college that reflects the diversity of Indiana and the nation and where underrepresented groups achieve a self-sustaining critical mass of faculty, students, and staff with opportunities for growth and professional success.”

Insight, Innovation, ImpactThe College of Science 2008-2014 Strategic Plan

Strategies…

21. Targeted opportunities to increase the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students…

22. Written departmental plans for achieving diversity….climate issues must be addressed in these plans….

23. Leadership training and leadership opportunities….

24. Institutionalize diversity….

…increase….plans….climate….training….institutionalize

Numbers and competencies

Numbers: baseline

US

29% URMs

Indiana

15.2% URMs

Purdue

6.8% URMs

Numbers: URM persistence in science

Purdue

PurdueIntro

Baccala

ureate

Grad sc

hool0.00%1.00%2.00%3.00%4.00%5.00%6.00%7.00%8.00%9.00%

US IntroBaccalaureate PhD0%

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35% Nation

Numbers: URM persistence in selected Purdue STEM courses

Biology Biochemistry Biomed Engineering0

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IntroAdvanced

23. Leadership training and leadership opportunities….

CompetenciesLearn to talk about difference

From “commitment” to progress…

• Specific goals owned by all• Know your baseline numbers• Measure progress toward goals

“This strategic plan is our roadmap for excellence and affirms our determination to retain our top ranking as one of the premier scientific hubs in the world.”

Insight, Innovation, ImpactPurdue College of Science Strategic Plan

2008-2014

NSF WEBCASPAR (2000-05)

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US population undergrads science science baccalaureates PhDs

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Undergraduate years are critical

G. Huang et al., 2000, Entry and persistence of women and minorities in college science and engineering education, US. Dept. Education, National Center for Education Statistics

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Whites + AsiansURMs

Complete Persist Switch Drop out

Persistence of undergrad STEM aspirants

21. Targeted opportunities to increase the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students…..

22. Written departmental plans for achieving diversity….climate issues must be addressed in these plans….

24. Institutionalize diversity….

1. Diversity benefits science.