On Those Who Would Be More Than a Scientist: Seeing Beyond the Science

• In Event: Mentoring Internationally as Well as at Home

Abstract

STEM disciplines are noted for lack of diversity. Consistently, the predominant racial groups have been White and Asian with the majority being men. For many reasons racially minoritized individuals are not adequately represented in STEM, chief among them is mentoring. Minoritized students of color, often report receiving no or inadequate mentoring. To better understand this phenomenon in STEM doctoral education, a qualitative case study design was employed. Drawing from the voices of students and faculty in individual and focus group interviews and a survey, two themes were developed: Deficit mentoring and vacuum mentoring. A key implication is that faculty mentors must see beyond the science and engage a practice of culturally liberating mentorship, which requires cultural epistemological change and understanding.

Authors

• Lisa Renee Merriweather, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Cathy Howell, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Niesha Douglas, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Anna Sanczyk, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Kristin Villanueva, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Shaunelle Casey