DUNCAN TREE BLOG #2
Mind the STEM Gap
Study shows gaps in how STEM organizations collect demographic information.
Professional organizations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields could more effectively collect data on underrepresented groups in their fields, according to a new survey published on March 31, 2022 in Science.org. With more robust information, STEM organizations could better target efforts to recruit and retain a more diverse membership. Researchers surveyed 164 U. S.-based STEM organizations, drawn mostly from a list of societies affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
These organizations were asked about the kinds of demographic information they collected on their members and conference attendees, and how they put it to use. Survey results were not associated with any particular organization, and the researchers did not ask for actual demographic information from the respondents: only what categories of information were collected.
Seventy-three organizations responded to the survey, representing over 700,000 constituents in a range of fields from life sciences and physical sciences to mathematics and technology.
While most organizations (80 percent) collected some demographic data, exactly what they collected varied. Many organizations followed the kind of breakdown used by federal agencies, offering a number of options for "race and ethnicity" but also lumping together several disparate groups under one category (such as "Asian American and Pacific Islander").
Gaps in Data
Some groups were widely ignored. While 60 percent of respondents were collecting at least some information on "gender identity" and "race and ethnicity," for example, just 15 percent collected data on "disability status" and "sexual orientation." The omission of these groups is surprising given the well-documented discrimination against, and underrepresentation of these groups in STEM, the authors wrote.
Materials provided by University of California - Davis. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Science Corner
Science Corner
Have you heard about 'nano-robot' Built from DNA to Explore Cell Processes
Constructing a tiny robot from DNA and using it to study cell processes invisible to the naked eye... You would be forgiven for thinking it is science fiction, but it is in fact the subject of serious research by scientists from Inserm, CNRS and Université de Montpellier at the Structural Biology Center in Montpellier. This highly innovative "nano-robot" should enable closer study of the mechanical forces applied at microscopic levels, which are crucial for many biological and pathological process.
It is described in a new study published in Nature Communications. Such a tool is very valuable for basic research, as it could be used to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in cell mechanosensitivity and discover new cell receptors sensitive to mechanical forces. Thanks to the robot, the scientists will also be able to study more precisely at what moment, when applying force, key signaling pathways for many biological and pathological processes are activated at cell level.
Materials provided by INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Reading Lists
Reading Lists
The Obama Reading List
Barack H. Obama is the 44th President of the United States.
Few presidents have walked a more improbable path to the White House. Born in Hawaii to a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya. For the complete list and to connect with the former president click: https://barackobama.medium.com/my-2022-summer-lists-264bc5ab1b0
SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Emily St. John Mandel
WHY WE’RE POLARIZED by Ezra Klein
THE CANDY HOUSE by Jennifer Egan
A LITTLE DEVIL IN AMERICA: IN PRAISE OF
BLACK PERFORMANCE by Hanif Abdurraqib
TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara
SILVERVIEW by John le Carre
BLACK CAKE by Charmaine Wilkerson
VELVET WAS THE NIGHT by Silvia Moreno- Garcia
MOUTH TO MOUTH by Antoine Wilson
THE GREAT EXPERIMENT: WHY DIVERSE DEMOCRACIES
FALL APPART AND HOW THEY CAN EDURE by Yascha Mounk
THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan
RAZORBLADE TEARS by S.A. Cosby
For Hoops Fans:
BLOOD IN THE GARDEN: THE FLAGRANT HISTORY
OF THE 1990S NEW YORK KNICKS by Chris Herring
Playlist
Playlist
The Obama Playlist
BREAK MY SOUL by Beyonce
VIBE OUT by Tems
MUSIC FOR A SUSHI RESTAURANT by Harry Styles
MIGHTY LOVE by The Spinners
FEELIN’ ALRIGHT by Joe Cocker
ENERGY by Sampa the Great ft. Nadeem Din- Gabisi
SAOKO by Rosalia
SPLIT/ WHOLE TIME by Lil Yachty
LET’S GO CRAZY by Prince
THAT’S WHERE I AM by Maggie Rogers
I CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU by Al Green
MORE THAN YOU KNOW by Dr. John
BLUE IN GREEN by Miles Davis
LAST LAST by Burna Boy
PERSUASIVE by Doechii
CHERRIES by Hope Tala ft. Amine
SAVE ME by Aretha Franklin
NOBODY KNOWS ME by Lyle Lovett
OJITOS LINDOS by Bad Bunny & Bomba Estereo
PULL UP by Koffee
DANCING IN THE DARK by Bruce Springsteen
ANGELICA by Wet Leg