2021 STEM Talks: three-part STEM Equity Series
Type
Presentation
Start Date
16-3-2021 3:30 PM
End Date
16-3-2021 4:30 PM
Description
A Diversity, Epidemiology and social justice unit was incorporated into the Pathophysiology curriculum in Fall 2016. Students discussed topics such as social and cultural influences on diversity thinking, and selective treatment in hospitals based on race. It was very noteworthy that students were united in their thinking regarding diversity and inclusion, despite the fact that they were from different backgrounds and diverse cultures. From 2017 - 2020, additional discussions were held on equity in education and LGBTQ+. Students who were otherwise reserved were encouraged enough to express their views, and everyone appreciated the fact that they had been included. The success of this diversity unit has encouraged more equity-related work at our academy. Steps are under way to further develop this curriculum and train other educators to do the same in their academic institutions.
Bio
Sowmya Anjur has been an educator for the last 24 years and currently teaches Science at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. She holds Masters degrees in Clinical Biochemistry and Microbial Biochemistry and received her doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from Iowa State University. Sowmya also holds a diploma in Civil Engineering. Her unique and versatile background enables her to perceive education from a multi-disciplinary angle, and she is constantly integrating different disciplines such as engineering, computer science and biophysics into her pathophysiology classroom. Sowmya’s classes have been developed to be mostly student-centered with many hands-on activities to develop and nurture student creativity and enhance articulation. She incorporates high tech, challenging and inter-disciplinary projects such as the construction of heart models, Arduino heart rate and blood pressure monitors and other bioengineering topics into her Physiology classes. She has pioneered teaching diversity in the science classroom and strives to promote equity and excellence in her teaching.
Diversity and Inclusion in the STEM Classroom
A Diversity, Epidemiology and social justice unit was incorporated into the Pathophysiology curriculum in Fall 2016. Students discussed topics such as social and cultural influences on diversity thinking, and selective treatment in hospitals based on race. It was very noteworthy that students were united in their thinking regarding diversity and inclusion, despite the fact that they were from different backgrounds and diverse cultures. From 2017 - 2020, additional discussions were held on equity in education and LGBTQ+. Students who were otherwise reserved were encouraged enough to express their views, and everyone appreciated the fact that they had been included. The success of this diversity unit has encouraged more equity-related work at our academy. Steps are under way to further develop this curriculum and train other educators to do the same in their academic institutions.