Increasing Diversity at the PhD Level in Physics and Astronomy: The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program

Increasing Diversity at the PhD Level in Physics and Astronomy: The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program
Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, Vanderbilt University
Kelly Holley-Bockelmann
Date and time: Wed, Sep 19, 2018 - 4:00pm
Location: Hasbrouck 134
Category: Departmental Colloquium
Abstract:

We briefly review the current status of underrepresented minorities in the physical sciences: The underrepresentation of Black-, Hispanic-, and Native-Americans is an order of magnitude problem. We then describe the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program as a successful model for effective partnerships with minority-serving institutions toward addressing this problem.  The program leads the nation in master’s degrees in physics for African Americans, is one of the top ten producers of physics master’s degrees among all US citizens in general, and has become the nation’s top producer of underrepresented minority PhDs in physics, astronomy, and materials science. We summarize the main features of the program including two of its core strategies: (1) partnering a minority-serving institution and a major research university through collaborative research, and (2) using the master’s degree as a deliberate stepping stone to the PhD. We also specifically discuss one of the emerging core theories of the program: the concept of properly identifying students with 'unrealized or unrecognized potential'. We discuss our methods to recognize and select for unrealized potential during the admissions process, and how we cultivate that unrealized potential toward development of successful scientists and leaders.