Maria Miriti, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University

Title:  The identity crisis in ecology and evolution

Abstract:  Science is developed and practiced within social constructs that can present socially biased perspectives that are embedded in disciplinary values.  Such biases hinder the development of a scientific identity, which is an important component of retention in STEM disciplines and is more challenging for underrepresented minorities than for students from the dominant culture.  In this talk, I will share how social biases influence ecology and evolution and consider strategies that can support a positive scientific identity among underrepresented students.