ED22A-07
MS PHD’S: A Successful Model Promoting Inclusion, Preparation and Engagement of Underrepresented Minorities within the Geosciences Workforce
Tuesday, 15 December 2015: 11:50
310 (Moscone South)
Elizabeth Padilla1, Onjale Scott2, Jeramie T Strickland3, Lois Ricciardi4, Warner I Guzman5, LaTanya Braxton4, Vivian Williamson4 and Ashanti Johnson6, (1)University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States, (2)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, United States, (3)U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona, MN, United States, (4)Institute for Broadening Participation, Damariscotta, ME, United States, (5)University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus, Cidra, PR, United States, (6)University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
Abstract:
According to 2014 findings of the National Research Council, geoscience and related industries indicate an anticipated 48,000 blue-collar, scientific, and managerial positions to be filled by underrepresented minority (URM) workers in the next 15 years. An Information Handling Services (IHS) report prepared for the American Petroleum Institute forecasts even greater numbers estimating upward of 408,000 opportunities for URM workers related to growth in accelerated development of oil, gas and petroleum industries. However, many URM students lack the training in both the hard sciences and craft skills necessary to fill these positions. The Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD’S) Professional Development Program uses integrative and holistic strategies to better prepare URM students for entry into all levels of the geoscience workforce. Through a three-phase program of mentoring, community building, networking and professional development activities, MS PHD’S promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and soft skills development for participants. Program activities expose URM students to education, training and real-life geoscience workforce experiences while maintaining a continuity of supportive mentoring and training networks via an active virtual community. MS PHD’S participants report increased self-confidence and self-efficacy in pursuing geoscience workforce goals. To date, the program supports 223 participants of who 57, 21 and 16 have received Doctorate, Masters and Baccalaureate degrees respectively and are currently employed within the geoscience and related industries workforce. The remaining 129 participants are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the U.S. Geographic representation of participants includes 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and two international postdoctoral appointments – one in Saudi Arabia and the other in France.
