Empowering Black Scientists in STEM: Early Success of the Black Biomechanists Association

Abstract

Black individuals are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. In 2016, Black students earned 9% of science and 4% of engineering bachelor's degrees compared to a total of 56% of science and engineering bachelor's degrees earned by White students. Even with similar entering rates, Black students leave STEM majors at 1.4 times the rate of White students. These data reflect the manifestation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) barriers faced by Black students and scientists to successfully navigate higher education and pursue careers in STEM fields. There remains a critical need to develop better ways to recruit, retain, train, and graduate Black students in STEM, especially within predominantly White institutions. Biomechanics is a growing interdisciplinary and translational STEM field where DEI barriers persist. Thus, the Black Biomechanists Association (BBA) was founded in 2020 with intentions to reduce these barriers and give much needed support to Black students and biomechanists in STEM spaces. The organization's mission is to uplift and enrich Black biomechanists in their academic and professional careers. Our objectives to achieve this mission provide a supportive environment and resources to address the challenges, needs, and interests of Black biomechanists, as well as aid in the biomechanics community's efforts to achieve DEI. In two short years, BBA has developed a needs-based mentoring program, hosted professional development and culturally-competent mentoring workshops, and produced communications to educate the biomechanics community and broader audience on culturally-relevant topics that impact Black biomechanists. The purpose of this article is to share the work and impact of BBA to date.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Black professionals; Diversity; Education; Inclusion.

Figure 1

Member demographics by gender (a) and ethnicity (b).

Figure 2

Membership breakdown of institutional role (a) and primary discipline (b).

Figure 3

2020–2022 BBA hosted events for general membership.

Figure 4

Example issues of the monthly newsletter and ‘The Ally Corner’. These resources are freely accessible via the BBA Linktree at https://linktr.ee/blackbiomechs.