Improving University Postdoctoral Affairs Offices: Viewpoints from Engineering Postdoctoral Scholars of Color
- Conference
- Location
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Portland, Oregon
- Publication Date
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June 23, 2024
- Start Date
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June 23, 2024
- End Date
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July 12, 2024
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Minorities in Engineering Division(MIND)
- Tagged Topic
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Diversity
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/47597
Paper Authors
Sylvia L. Mendez University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Dr. Sylvia Mendez is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She earned a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas, a MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University, and a BA in Economics from Washington State University. She is engaged in several National Science Foundation-sponsored collaborative research projects focused on broadening participation in STEM academia. Dr. Mendez’s research centers on the creation of optimal higher education policies and practices that advance faculty careers and student success, as well as the schooling experiences of Mexican-descent youth in the mid-20th century.
Jennifer Tygret
Abstract
An instrumental case study (Stake, 1995) explores the perceptions and opinions of engineering postdoctoral scholars of color about ways to improve university postdoctoral affairs offices to better support them personally and professionally. Ten participant interviews were analyzed deductively (Stake, 1995) using cultural marginality (Choi, 2001) as a conceptual framework. Data analysis findings revealed three themes to which postdoctoral affairs offices must be more attentive in the personal and professional journey of postdoctoral scholars of color: (1) prepare them for the transient nature of their positions, (2) smooth their unique work challenges, and (3) address workplace isolation and invisibility. The findings of this study could be useful to postdoctoral affairs offices and postdoctoral advisors in advocating for the needs and priorities of this population. By prioritizing and addressing their concerns, such offices can create a more productive and satisfying postdoctoral experience, leading to a smoother transition into academia, industry, or government employment.
Mendez, S. L., & Tygret, J. (2024, June), Improving University Postdoctoral Affairs Offices: Viewpoints from Engineering Postdoctoral Scholars of Color Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47597
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