Latinx Engineering Students in Intersections of Gender and Sexuality

• In Event: 15.060 - MTCC Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.060-5 - A Seat at the Table: Shaping Historically Minoritized Students' Access to Higher Education

Abstract

With dismal rates of choosing, persisting and graduating with engineering degrees/ careers, Latinx underrepresentation is a national concern. Here we present findings from an ethnographic study on Latinx engineering identities at a minority institution (80% Latinx enrollment) from an intersectional perspective. Drawing on a sociocultural theoretical perspective, and focusing on teamwork experiences, we examine identity formation in/through teamwork activity. This case study of a team included two women and two men, with one member identifying as LGBTQ. Data included fieldnotes, in-depth interviews and artifacts. We show ways in which, the heterosexual male-dominated engineering spaces, presented significant challenges for women and gay males. These challenges interfered with their individual and teamwork activity/learning and might impact their persistence in engineering.

Authors

• Alberto Esquinca, San Diego State University

• Elsa Quiroz Villa, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Lidia Herrera-Rocha, The University of Texas - El Paso