Home > Seminar on Underrepresentation and the Mathematical Sciences (SUMS) begins at the Claremont Colleges.

Seminar on Underrepresentation and the Mathematical Sciences (SUMS) begins at the Claremont Colleges.

Date: 
February 2009

The goal of SUMS is to engage in a discussion and exploration of issues surrounding gender inequity and underrepresentation both here in Claremont and in the larger national context. What is underrepresentation? What is gender inequity? Why should we work against them? What is the current state of underrepresentation in mathematics? Are there programs that have met with any degree of success in working toward diversity in mathematics? What can be done locally? This may be of interest not only to mathematicians and mathematics faculty, but also to students, faculty in other scientific disciplines, and also those interested in the relationship between science and society, in gender/race/class issues in society, and in the history of science. The seminars will meet roughly once per month throughout the semester.

 

February 13, 2009  4:00 - 5:00 pm

Stand and Deliver: The Importance of Mentoring for Women in Science

Talithia Williams, Harvey Mudd College

Underrepresentation occurs in numerous ways throughout the social structure of our society; the academic community, in particular, has not been immune to its effects. The persistent shortage of women in academic fields such as mathematics and engineering leads us, in this talk, to address mentoring from the perspective of a program that has proven effective in mitigating the underrepresentation of women in science. With an understanding that mentoring is multifaceted and extends beyond the scope of any one individual program, I will discuss components of the EDGE Program (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education) as a canonical example of establishing a community of support and academic preparation for women as they matriculate in graduate school. I will share some personal experiences from the program and ways that individuals can aid in strengthening the ability of women and minority students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences.

The SUMS seminar will meet in the shared mathematics facilities in Sprague Library, 3rd floor. Refreshments will be served.