Women in Science Program
ADVANCEment Towards Institutional Transformation at Towson University (ADVANCE IT)
News Item
Women in Science: Increasing Participation at Towson University
The "ADVANCEment Towards Institutional Transformation at Towson University (ADVANCE-IT)," a National Science Foundation grant awarded to Drs. Gail Gasparich, Ryan Casey, Paz Galupo, Alex Storrs and Jay Zimmerman will provide funding over the next TWO years to investigate barriers to recruitment, retention and advancement of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at Towson University.
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Faculty researchers from right to left:
Dr. Alex Storrs, Dr. Gail Gasparich, Dr. Jay Zimmerman,
Dr. Paz Galupo, and Dr. Ryan Casey |
This study will examine both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from Towson internal documents, campus climate indices, and faculty surveys and interviews. The research team will work collaboratively with the College of Liberal Arts to compare faculty experiences of those in STEM disciplines with those in the humanities. According to Dr. Gasparich, the University administration will assist in providing much of the data required to do the research and she has received full support from both President Caret and Provost Clements.
Project results will be shared through various campus workshops and forums in collaboration with Towson’s
Findings and recommendations will be used to inform and guide changes to institutional culture and practice. The team plans to use preliminary data to request continuation funding under NSF’s ADVANCE "Institutional Transformation" program. "Securing this funding," states Dr. Gasparich, "will help us establish and implement best practices for fostering both a climate for, and practices of, inclusion at the department, college, and university levels."
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