Amplifying Voices_ The Journey To A PhD Through The Lens of Black Women in Physics

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Black Liberatory STEM: Belonging, Wellness, and Resistance in Science Education

Abstract

Out of the 2,000 physics PhDs that are awarded in the U.S. each year, less than 0.5% of those are given to women of African descent. Black women report being pushed out or “Mastering –out” their program before completing their PhDs due to institutional and academic barriers. Many physics departments have set goals for recruitment and inclusion, but due to the small number of Black women graduate students, it is likely their perspectives are not well represented in sustainability plans. This study focused of 13 Black women who are currently pursuing PhDs, recent graduates, and those who have left physics programs before obtaining their PhD to document their physics learning and research experiences via photovoice methodology.

Authors

• L. Trenton S. Marsh, University of Central Florida

• Camille Coffie, Spelman College

• Jackie Chini, Ohio University

• Itunu O. Ilesanmi, University of Northern Iowa