Predicting Degree Attainment of Underrepresented Students in Engineering: The Impact of Faculty Representation

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Demystifying Science, Mathematics, and Engineering for Women and Education (Table 35)

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women and people of Color in STEM remains a societal challenge. This study investigates the potential link between faculty gender and racial representation in engineering departments and the number of degrees awarded to underrepresented students in engineering. Employing the theoretical framework of Representative Bureaucracy, we use multiple linear regression to analyze this relationship. Our findings indicate a positive predictive association between faculty gender and racial representation and the percentage of degrees awarded to students with congruent identities when controlling for four institutional factors. Our study highlights the importance of promoting diversity among faculty members as they may support departmental policies aiding underrepresented students and fostering a more inclusive climate in their departments.

Authors

• Claudia V. Garcia, Kent State University

• Roberta Rincon, Society of Women Engineers

• Daniel Chand, Kent State University