STEM Space-Makers: Exploring STEM Disciplinary Agency of Women of Color Graduate Students in a Global Context

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Intersections of STEM and Females

Abstract

This study developed a conceptual model to examine the STEM disciplinary agency of Women of Color (WoC) graduate students in globalized higher education. Grounded in space-making theory (Marginson, 2022), Community Cultural Wealth (Yosso, 2005), and Glonacal Agency Heuristics (Marginson & Rhoades, 2002), the study uses narrative inquiry and participatory action research. Data from 13 interviews and two focus groups reveal strong local-scale agency among WoC participants, while national and global enactment is constrained by structural and epistemic barriers. Findings provide directions for curricular transformation and multi-scalar support to better recognize, sustain, and amplify WoC’s agency across global, national, and local STEM disciplinary spheres.

Author

• Seonmi Jin, Indiana University