Hidden in Plain Sight: Reframing African American STEM Interest, Persistence, and Participation

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: #STEMingWhileBlack (Table 23)

Abstract

Although largely undocumented, the history, legacy, and impact of African Americans in STEM often seen as a conundrum. For example, if you mention names such as Saint Elmo Brady, Rebecca J. Cole, or Melba Roy Mouton – the awareness of their significant contributions to STEM fields in chemistry, medicine, and mathematics (NASA) are relatively unknown. As this nation continues to struggle with increasing the presence of African Americans in STEM fields, the challenge may be a simple exercise of looking for people who are actually hiding in plain sight. Using the Harper’s (2010) anti-deficit framework, this study examined the 6 contributors to STEM success for African American males (and females) majoring in STEM at 5 HBCUs.

Author

• Janeula M. Burt, Bowie State University