Description:

Abstract:

In this talk I discuss the findings of the American Institute of Physics’ TEAM_UP Task Force that examined causes and remedies for the underrepresentation of African American students earning bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy. The task force found that African American students are completing bachelor’s degrees at higher rates in other quant-heavy STEM fields; their underrepresentation in physics is due to aspects of physics culture and climate over which departments and the wider physics community have much agency. I discuss ways in which departments can better support and encourage African American students from college entrance to degree completion. These strategies will benefit students from other groups underrepresented in physics as well as majority students.

Bio:
Mary James is the A. A. Knowlton Professor of Physics at Reed College. Professor James received her B.A. in physics from Hampshire College and her Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University. Her principal areas of physics research have been in accelerator physics, astrophysics, and inclusive pedagogical practices in STEM disciplines. Professor James served as Dean for Institutional Diversity at Reed from 2014 to 2022. As dean for institutional diversity, Professor James worked with partners across the college and profession to interrogate and reform systems, structures, policies, and norms, as well as individual attitudes and actions, that disproportionately benefit members of dominant groups while marginalizing members of historically minoritized groups. Professor James has served on and chaired the Committee on Minorities of the American Physical Society (APS) and has served on physics department climate site visits for the APS Committee on the Status of Women and the Committee on Minorities. She served as co-chair of the American Institute of Physics’ TEAM_UP task force that completed a two-year study on causes and remedies for the underrepresentation of African American students earning B.A./B.S. degrees in physics and astronomy.

Speaker: Mary James, Professor, Reed College, Portland OR

Host: John Joseph Carrasco