Narratives of Inequity in Doctoral Engineering and Career Trajectories Shaped by an Equity Ethic

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Gender in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Abstract

A concern for the structural injustices that impact the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and environments, which we define as equity ethic, is a consequential value because engineering designs based on an equity ethic can extend human capacity to decrease inequity. In this qualitative research, we explored the existence of this attribute in 25 racially diverse engineering and computing PhD students and recent graduates, its connection to racialized or gendered isolation and negative doctoral experiences, and their career interests. We found participants’ career trajectories were motivated by an equity ethic when they either personally experienced marginalization in the academy, or were impacted by social inequity outside of the academy. Implications for infusing equity in engineering education are offered.

Authors

• Dara Elizabeth Naphan, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Amanda J Brockman

• Monica L Ridgeway, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Rachel McKane

• Portia Kwartema Botchway, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College

• Ebony Omotola McGee, Vanderbilt Peabody College