⭐️ Presented by the Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Science (DEI | OAD)

Natalia Caporale

Associate Professor of Teaching (LSOE)
Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior

Asset-based Frameworks to Promote Student Success in STEM

Abstract: Efforts aimed at promoting the retention and success of students from minoritized populations in STEM have traditionally followed a student-deficit approach, where equity disparities are seen as a representation of students' deficits such as lack of motivation, lack of preparation, lack of career readiness, etc. This perspective ignores the role of the systemic structural barriers and issues present in Institutions of Higher Education in creating and perpetuating the observed disparities in student outcomes and experiences. In addition to the damage that the deficit perspective does to students,  ignoring the role of these structures prevents engagement in discussions and institutional transformation needed in order to address the existing inequities. In this talk, I will share perspectives and findings from my research group in the context of three mixed methods studies that use student asset-based frameworks to examine student experiences and outcomes: (1) Experiences and statistics of Latinx students on Academic Probation, (2) Presence of systemic gender gaps in upper division biology courses across several R1 institutions, (3) Ethnic Studies courses as support mechanisms that promote the success of all students at UC Davis.

Check out our other CAMPOS speakers lined up for the 2024-2025 year on our CAMPOS Colloquium page!