About the spring 2016 pilot course
This was the pilot class of the collaboratively designed, project-oriented course that looked specifically at the theme of diversity within STEM fields-- at Amherst College and beyond. We grounded our understanding of the STEM experience at Amherst in national and global contexts, specifically looking at the way in which gender, class, race, sexuality, and geographic upbringing might shape these experiences. We accomplished this goal in two distinct ways: first and foremost, conducting in-depth research into these topics, looking at peer-reviewed articles and surveying best practices at our peer institutions. We supplemented this research with over 40 interviews with STEM students, faculty, staff and alumni. These interviews provided insight into the history and present of the Amherst STEM environment. Together, we believed these two components-- research and testimony-- would be instrumental in guiding Amherst to develop a more inclusive STEM community for all. We presented our projects to over 70 members of the campus community in a salon that included an inclusive pedagogy workshop on May 6, 2016. Over the semester we created this website to share our work and to serve as a commons for sharing resources for the larger "Being Human in STEM" project going forward.
