Diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics: what does a scientist look like?
Bailey L | Bioanalysis, 14(7), 401 – 403, (2022)
Keywords: • bioanalysis • diversity • medicine • minorities • STEM • underrepresented scientists
The USA is racially and ethnically diverse and, thus, is often referred to as a “melting pot” [1]. This term reflects the ever-changing cultural makeup of the American population due to continued immigration and the melding of all of these cultural differences into American culture. However, a quick scan of any academic research institution or commercial laboratory will display a largely homogenous group of scientists of mostly European ancestry [2–4]. Asian and Indian minority groups have made significant headway establishing a presence in the medical and scientific community, yet Black scientists are routinely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Therefore, this does not mirror the “melting pot” of the American workforce. This phenomenon is not specific to the USA; the STEM racial disparity is replicated globally. With the aim of achieving diversity and inclusion, we must first identify why it is important, execute strategies to cultivate diversity and understand what diversity in STEM ultimately looks like.