Office of Diversity & Engagement Research

Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers

As part of its ongoing efforts to remove barriers and empower future engineers, the Office of Diversity & Engagement is leading a national study, Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers, aimed at revolutionizing diversity in STEM. In response to the first phases of research, the Engineering school has removed caps on undergraduate majors, improved orientation procedures for calculus placement, increased collaborations with Center for Engineering Career Development, and redesigned our summer Bridge Program to increase its positive impact on students.

UVA is working on many levels to make the University a welcoming and inclusive space for students from underrepresented backgrounds. In addition to initiatives within the Engineering Department, the Center for Teaching Excellence began UVA Acts, which works with students, faculty, and others to improve communication and equality. The University as a whole is addressing the impact of the history of slavery, the campus climate, and events within the city of Charlottesville.

This research was made possible by the generous support of the LMI Research Institute’s Academic Partnership Program in collaboration with the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS), the Jefferson Trust, and funding from the University of Virginia’s Provost Office, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers Research Design 

Phase 1: Large-scale quantitative analysis of student records 
Phase 2a: Mixed-methods study of student experiences 
Phase 2b: Documentation of policies, practices, and programs 
Phase 3: Design-based prototyping of interventions
Phase 4: Determination and implementation of interventions 
Phase 5: Assessment of interventions' effectiveness