This project aimed to create an on-line, open-access database of PowerPoint slides featuring STEM scientists from underrepresented groups whose work connects directly to topics in the curriculum of first-year STEM courses: biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. This was accomplished with the support of work-study students, four in the fall-spring terms and four in the summer session, each of whom was themself from an underrepresented group in STEM and had completed at least three of these core STEM courses. Each student focused on one discipline and created a curated folder of slides. The slides include a photograph of the featured scientist, biographical information, a concise description of their work, highlights of their personal story (where available), and links to additional related information. In the notes are references and suggestions of where each slide might fit into the curriculum.
Outcomes
Through weekly group meetings, the work-study students developed valuable collaborative skills, including how to give and receive constructive feedback. All slides underwent a group review process, where students discussed revisions and refined their content and design. The project also introduced students to the academic peer review process: sample slides were blind reviewed by STEM course instructors, and students were guided in writing responses to reviewer comments and incorporating revisions. In addition, in an exercise to hone their critical research skills, summer work-study students were given a video highlighting an individual whose scientific contributions were in question and were directed to determine whether that individual should be included in the database.
The final products were four highly curated, visually engaging, and content-rich slide decks that showcase a diverse array of scientists in each discipline. In addition to producing a valuable instructional resource, the project provided meaningful professional development for participating work-study students and fostered their skills in research, communication, peer review, and inclusive science storytelling.
Instructors of first-year STEM courses will have access to the database from which they can select appropriate materials to feature on course websites and/or incorporate into their lectures and classroom discussions. It is hoped that the availability of these slides will encourage instructors to feature more scientists from underrepresented groups in their classes. As well, it is hoped that by use of these materials instructors will contribute to the achievement of the project’s ultimate goal which is to help foster a sense of belonging and a science identity amongst STEM students from underrepresented groups.