Скачать или смотреть Topic: Community Ambassadors - An Approach to Enhance Equity in STEM

Hosted by Dr. Regina Barber DeGraaff & Dr. Thanh Le from Western Washington University and Dr. Leticia Romo from Chaffey College

Abstract: To support and sustain a supportive and inclusive environment and culture in science, the College of Science and Engineering at Western Washington University created the Community Ambassador (CA) Program. The CA program acknowledges, compensates, and connects a network of faculty across the college who are engaged in equity, inclusion and diversity initiatives. Under the guidance of the STEM Inclusion and Outreach Specialist, eight faculty members -- one or two from each department in the college -- met weekly to discuss issues of systemic oppression within the college and university. Through cohort support, varying experience and expertise, and commitment, the CAs collectively advocate and create opportunities for growth within the college and their departments. In this session, we will describe the catalyst, logistics, benefits, challenges and limitations of the program.

Dr. Regina Barber DeGraaff is a Mexican-Taiwanese-American, pop-culture-obsessed, astrophysicist, who teaches physics, astronomy, and science communication at Western Washington University (WWU). Regina completed her PhD in physics at Washington State University in 201. In 2015, Regina co-created and began to host the radio show (KMRE) & WWU podcast Spark Science. She also created the position of the STEM Inclusion and Outreach Specialist at WWU devoted to the retention and support of underrepresented students and faculty in STEM. Through all her efforts, Regina’s goal is to break apart the scientist stereotype so that anyone can see themselves in science.

Dr. Leticia Romo is the Director of Student Equity and Engagement at Chaffey College. As a first generation college graduate and proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, her passion for social justice has been core to her advocacy for underrepresented students on college campuses.

Dr. Thanh Le is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Science, Mathematics, and Education Program (SMATE) at Western Washington University. Her research interests lie broadly in metacognition. Specifically, she is interested in understanding how to support student reflection about how they think and learn physics. She is currently exploring the sociocultural and emotive processes that shape group metacognition during moments of confusion in the physics classroom.