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

Persons, in millions Future scientists from a diverse talent pool. “Majority Minority” U.S. population U.S. 18 yrs and younger

Problem: We fail to take advantage of the diverse talent pool NSF data for 2006, from Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation, National Academies, U.S. talent pool 29 % URM Scientific workforce 9 % URM

Undergraduate persistence in science

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, Impact The College of Science 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 29% URMs 15.2% URMs 6.8% URMs

Numbers: URM persistence in science Purdue Nation

Numbers: URM persistence in selected Purdue STEM courses

23. Leadership training and leadership opportunities…. Competencies Learn 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, Impact Purdue College of Science Strategic Plan

NSF WEBCASPAR ( ) US population undergrads science science baccalaureates PhDs Fraction who are Underrepresented Minorities (%) 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 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.