2003 Jing Lyman Lecture Series: "Relationships Between Engineering Student and Faculty Demographics and Stakeholders Working to Affect Change" -- Sheri Sheppard, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering

The intent of this talk is to create a synthesized, national picture of the students and faculty who make up engineering schools in the United States and of the stakeholder groups actively working to change this picture. Recent data suggest that the U.S. is unable to adequately prepare its citizens to contribute to the demand for scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Low participation rates of females and underrepresented minorities in these fields are major contributing factors. This talk describes a study that tracks the progress of the high school class of 1990 through the engineering pipeline and beyond, specifically focusing on the progress of female and underrepresented minority students within the class. Points where student participation rates dropped significantly are identified, and factors contributing to students leaving at these decision points are discussed. Key stakeholder groups working with underrepresented minority and female students are also identified.