Transforming Student-Faculty Relationships Into Social Capital in STEM: The Influence of Race and Gender

• In Event: 47.040 - Cultivating and Supporting Diverse STEM Talent

Abstract

This qualitative study seeks to understand how race and gender influence the transformation of student-faculty relationships into social capital. Interviews were conducted with 40 STEM working professionals on their experiences during college and in the workplace. Our data revealed that women of color experienced discrimination from faculty based on race and gender, which affected their ability to attend office hours and build strong relationships with professors. Women and under-represented minorities (URMs) felt more comfortable engaging with diverse faculty. Engaging in research mitigated the negative influence of race and gender on student-faculty interactions among women and URMs.

Authors

• Cinthya Salazar, University of Maryland - College Park

• Julie J. Park, University of Maryland - College Park

• Roshan Parikh