Prof. Keivan Stassun, Department of Physics and Astrophysics, Vanderbilt University

"A Model for Dramatically Increasing Diversity at the PhD Level in Science and Engineering"

Abstract: Stassun will draw on his experiences as a nationally leading voice for diversity in STEM, including as a member of the National Science Foundation's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Science and Engineering, and as a member of multiple National Academies studies on Effective Mentoring in STEM and Promising Practices for Addressing Underrepresentation in STEM. He will also discuss how partnerships with minority-serving institutions, such as the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program which he co-directed for more than 10 years, can help to achieve the goal of increasing STEM diversity at the doctoral level. During the discussion, Stassun will summarize three core strategies: (1) replacing traditional metrics in PhD admissions with indicators that are more predictive of long-term success; (2) partnering with minority-serving institutions for student training through collaborative research; and (3) using research-based mentoring models to support students to degree completion and beyond. These models and tools support the success of all PhD students.