Women of Color Students' Experiences in Computer Science: An Exploratory Thematic Analysis

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Experiences of Minoritized Students in STEM (Table 3)

Abstract

The present exploratory study focused on understanding women of color students’ experiences in computer science. Thematic analyses were conducted under two major theoretical frameworks to understand how two women of color students recognized themselves as doing computer science and how lived interpersonal experiences played a role in their journey into this field (Carlone & Johnson, 2007; Crenshaw, 1989). Four major themes were observed including critical values underlying persistence in computer science, discrepancies with how a person in computer science is defined, intimidation from peers, and the importance of a support network. Results highlight unique challenges women of color students encounter in computer science programs and highlight the need for psychologically safe and supportive environments to support their computer science identity.

Authors

• So Yeon Lee, McGill University
  Presenting Author

• Nathan C. Hall, McGill University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Allison Gonsalves, McGill University
  Non-Presenting Author