Diversity Research Project

The University of Virginia Office of Diversity & Engagement is leading an ongoing national study, Crafting Success for Underrepresented Scientists and Engineers, aimed at revolutionizing diversity in STEM.


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 

 

Researchers and Staff

  • Dr. Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas

    Dr. Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas

    CSUSE Research Director


    Associate Professor
    Curry School of Education

  • Dr. Jenn Maeng

    Dr. Jenn Maeng

    Phase 2a Leader


    Research Assistant Professor
    Curry School of Education

  • Dr. Chauncey Smith

    Dr. Chauncey Smith

    Phase 2b Leader


    Assistant Professor
    Curry School of Education

  • Dr. Chris Hulleman

    Dr. Chris Hulleman

    Phase 3 Leader, Phases 4 & 5 Co-Leader


    Research Associate Professor
    Curry School of Education

  • Dr. Josipa Roksa

    Dr. Josipa Roksa

    Phases 4 & 5 Co-Leader


    Professor
    College of Arts & Science, Curry School of Education

  • Dr. Sophie Trawalter

    Dr. Sophie Trawalter

    Phases 4 & 5 Co-Leader


    Associate Professor
    Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, College of Arts and Sciences

  • Dr. Tim Wilson Sherrell J. Aston

    Dr. Tim Wilson Sherrell J. Aston

    Phases 4 & 5 Co-Leader


    Professor
    College of Arts & Sciences, Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy

students working

UVA Engineering has removed caps on certain majors so that students who do not place into Calc II still have a chance to choose majors that require the class.