The Daily Bulletin

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Humanizing Biology to Promote Equity in STEM Higher Education,” presented by Robin Costello, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, on Monday, September 30, at 3:00 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 151. Attendees are welcome to enjoy coffee and cookies during the seminar.

Abstract
Despite broad consensus that highlighting counter-stereotypical scientist role models in educational materials promotes equity and success, the specific elements that make these materials effective remain untested. Are pictures of counter-stereotypical scientists enough to communicate to students that scientists come from a variety of backgrounds, or is additional information required? In her seminar, Dr. Costello will discuss the results of a nationwide experiment that parsed the effects of including visual depictions and humanizing information about scientists in undergraduate biology course materials. As a spoiler, including humanizing information about scientists was key to increasing student engagement with course materials. These findings underscore the importance of providing students with examples of humanized and relatable scientists in classrooms, rather than simply adding photos to increase representation.