The need to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering is widely recognized as a critical issue in our profession. This has resulted in an abundance of research and vigorous efforts to increase participation of underrepresented groups in engineering; however, there is a paucity of research on LGBTQ+ inclusion and participation in engineering. Despite the recent advances in LGBTQ+ equality through legislation and societal acceptance in some countries around the world, LGBTQ+ individuals face exclusion, discrimination and overt hostility in many environments – including classrooms and workplaces. In 2015, the American Society for Engineering Education established a Virtual Community of Practice (VCP) for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in STEM academic departments, with support from the National Science Foundation. This presentation describes the VCP’s research-education-advocacy efforts and highlights initiatives advanced by VCP members at ASEE, AIChE and academic institutions. Following the talk, this will also be an opportunity to discuss issues of diversity and inclusion in STEM at Temple University.
Dr. Stephanie Farrell is Interim Dean of the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering at Rowan University and Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Experiential Engineering Education (ExEEd). Stephanie began her career as a faculty member in the Chemical Engineering Department at Louisiana Tech University. She joined Rowan as a founding faculty member of the Chemical Engineering Department in 1998, where she served until launching ExEEd in 2016. Stephanie is past president of the American Society for Engineering Education.
This program will be presented via Zoom Meetings. On the day of the program, use this link to join: https://temple.zoom.us/j/94524774915