Patching the Leaks: Revitalizing and Reimagining the STEM Pipeline

Abstract

We identify problematic areas throughout the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline that perpetuate racial disparities in academia. Distinct ways to curtail these disparities include early exposure and access to resources, supportive mentoring networks and comprehensive training programs specifically for racially minoritized students and trainees at each career stage. These actions will revitalize the STEM pipeline.

Figure 1.. Diagram of a Multidimensional Academic Pipeline

In the center, we show defined training stages within the academic pipeline moving from least experienced at the top (undergraduate) to most experienced at the bottom (faculty). We depict successful progression through the pipeline as black arrows transitioning from undergraduate to the optional post baccalaureate training phase, then to the doctorate, post doctorate, and ultimately faculty phase. On the left, we represent valuable experience-based training mechanisms that the scientists can draw from without exiting the pipeline. This continuous process of receiving experience-based training is depicted as an orange dotted arrow. On the right, we demonstrate reinforcing strategies that can support the transition of trainees from one stage to the next.