ABSTRACT
The purpose of this grounded theory study is to provide evidence from the experiences of racially minoritized graduate students and postdocs in space science. As humanity looks to the stars for resources and potential settlements, it is vital that our efforts include not only racially diverse astronauts, but also the engineers who design the shuttles, doctors who study the effects of space on the human body, mathematicians who calculate flight paths, and astronomers who study stellar phenomena. On an individual level, careers in space science offer high-paying jobs that are key to social mobility and often require an advanced degree (Angeles & Vilorio, 2016). Analogously, research has explored racial/ethnic diversity in computing programs as a precursor to careers in Silicon Valley (Sax et al., 2018). This project turns the focus to space science graduate programs with an eye towards careers in this growing and future-oriented industry. Understanding what draws students from racially minoritized backgrounds and their graduate student experiences can help practitioners and researchers to improve the student experience through improved program and campus climate, mentorship, and structural diversity.
Project Lead
Radomir Ray Mitic
University of North Dakota
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the lived experiences of racially minoritized graduate students and postdocs in space science?
2. How do racially minoritized graduate students and postdocs in space science perceive their entry into a mostly homogenous industry?
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
• Weidman et al.’s (2001) psycho-social perspective
• Carlone and Johnson’s (2007) science identity framework
METHODS
Using a ground theory approach this still will include interviews with 30 graduate students and postdocs from racially minoritized backgrounds at space-grant institutions. Interviews will explore (1) what draws students into careers in space science and (2) their perceptions of program and campus climate.
CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECT GOALS
This study will inform graduate education professionals and faculty about the experiences facing racially minoritized students in graduate programs and careers in space science. Moreover, this study will also inform individual career decisions and institutional practices that aim to increase representation from racially minoritized students in graduate programs and careers in space science and improve retention.
FOCUS AREA WITHIN GRADUATE EDUCATION
Transition from graduate education to postdoctoral positions, academia, and industry
INVESTIGATORS
Radomir Ray Mitic, University of North Dakota