Date:
Location:
STEM Education at the Crossroads:
Fostering a Culture of Inclusion in the STEM Classroom
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Tracy Johnson
Keith and Cecilia Terasaki
Presidential Endowed Chair
Professor, Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
Dean, Life Sciences,
UCLA College
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Nearly 40% of students entering postsecondary institutions indicate their intention to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In fact, today’s students are twice as likely as their parents to pursue stem degrees. Nonetheless, fewer than half of the students who begin as STEM majors graduate with their intended degree. This attrition is observed across demographics, but the situation is particularly acute for students who are from groups historically excluded from STEM. Recent studies suggest that preparation alone is not a reliable indicator of who persists in STEM; one of the best predictors is whether students develop a sense of scientific identity and belonging early in their undergraduate experience. STEM education is at an important crossroads, and it is crucial to examine our approaches to fostering persistence and a sustained passion for science among all of our students.
Dr. Johnson will discuss data-driven pedagogical strategies aimed at fostering a culture of scientific excellence and inclusion in the Life Sciences, including a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) that she developed to provide first-year students with early exposure to research and foster a sense of scientific identity. Importantly, she will explore the critical relationship between research excellence, developing an inclusive academic culture, and student success.
Dr. Johnson has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award, given by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the UCLA Life Sciences Award for Inclusive Excellence for Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (2018). She is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor and has directed several HHMI-funded initiatives to advance the goals of diversity and inclusion in STEM education. Read more about Dr. Johnson.
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The Herschbach teacher/scientist lecture series recognizes scholars who excel both as scientists and as educators. The lecture series honors emeritus professor Dudley Herschbach, a Nobel-prize winning chemist and a devoted educator and is hosted by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching & Learning.
Additionally, Dr. Johnson will discuss her scientific research at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology seminar on Thursday, April 18, at noon in Northwest B-103.
Directions from Science Center to Pfizer Lecture Hall (12 Oxford Street):
No registration needed. Open to Harvard faculty, staff, and students.
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