Advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity have been persistent challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout North America. Consequently, there remains an urgent need for interventions that address the needs of marginalized students as they progress through undergraduate degree programs. To support this effort, Dr. Walter Lee’s research focuses on better understanding the interventions (programs, activities, and services) that colleges provide as it relates to student support. In this seminar, he will discuss an ongoing project focused on advancing our ability to gauge the efficiency with which colleges provide support to students in STEM. Dr. Lee will focus on current efforts to develop and validate a survey instrument that reveals constructs that can be used by administrators, student-support practitioners, and educators to better assess and maximize institutional support received by undergraduate students in STEM. Such an instrument is important because it can support the identification of opportunities to make local STEM learning environments more supportive and equitable from the perspectives of undergraduate students.
SPEAKER BIO
Dr. Walter Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and the Assistant Director for Research in the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, both at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). His research interests include co-curricular support, student success, inclusive diversity, and STEM learning environments. Dr. Lee has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University, an MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech. His career vision is to be a driving force in the U.S. effort to diversify engineering and ensure that institutions provide students with the necessary support to succeed regardless of their background.
Register at: https://bit.ly/35zBBY1
Date: January 29
Time: 10 – 11AM
Venue: The Multi-Faith Centre, University of Toronto, 569 Spadina Avenue