Brookhaven Women in Science (BWIS) Activity

Title: Learning from Gardens and Braided Rivers to Increase Inclusion in STEM

Abstract:
There is an ongoing tension between breaking apart and coming together that happens at every level of the biosphere, including among people. The health of our relationships with each other depends on this negotiation of independence and connection, which can be impacted by our ancestry, cultures, family of origin, and personal experiences. With all this in mind, Dr. Estrada will describe the findings from her research program in which she has longitudinally tracked and examined what types of mentorship and supports are more likely to result in students persisting in STEM career pathways, particularly persons excluded because of ethnicity and race (PEERs). Her research includes studies with first-generation, African American, Latino/a and Native scholars as they navigate their professional training. Further, she will talk about how institutional policies and climate that support mentors in providing kindness cues that affirm social inclusion may impact the integration experience for historically underrepresented college students, faculty and administrators.