In the fast-paced world of higher education and research, it's not uncommon for graduate students to face a variety of challenges, both personal and academic. However, for women and gender minorities in the field of engineering, these challenges can often be exacerbated due to a lack of representation and community. Recognizing this, Aerospace Engineering graduate students, Rupal Nigam, Aadhy Parthasarathy, Aanchal Gupta, Tove Kopperstad, and Ani Pirosmanishvili, initiated the GrOW project (Graduate Orientation for Women) to foster inclusivity and support in the engineering community.
Building a Strong Foundation
GrOW was established with the fundamental goal of creating a year-long orientation program that helps incoming minority graduate students adjust to their programs and the life of a graduate student as a whole. The project accomplishes this goal through an orientation program and a blend of social and professional events that aim to build community, support the undergrad-to-graduate student transition, offer strategies for navigating academia, and provide opportunities for professional networking and financial support advice. Collaborations with faculty, academic and institutional units, and other student organizations are integral to the success of this program. Social events played a crucial role in building a sense of community among women and gender minority students. Given that many students primarily interact with their advisors and lab mates, the opportunity to meet and connect with a community of like-minded peers is invaluable. These gatherings encourage open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support. On the professional front, GrOW collaborated with Research Park to expose graduate students to various opportunities during graduate school and post-graduation. Additionally, GrOW has hosted seminars by faculty members who share their experiences as members of minority populations in academia. These seminars have served as an insightful guide for those sharing similar academic paths.
Evaluating the impact of the GrOW project, organizers relied on qualitative, anonymous surveys, as well as direct verbal feedback. One remarkable outcome of the surveys was evidence of a decline in student confidence in and enthusiasm for their programs after the first semester. This attitude change might be attributed to the harsh realities of research and academic life. Recognizing this shift in confidence levels, GrOW adapted its events to address the specific needs and concerns of students. Additionally, a significant percentage of the student population reported experiencing microaggressions from their peers. In response, workshops were organized to help students learn how to address these microaggressions in a constructive and productive manner.
Celebrating Achievements and Future Endeavors
The GrOW project has achieved notable milestones since its inception. Outcomes of this project were presented at the 2023 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Conference & Exposition, Supporting Graduate Women in Engineering: The Approach and Findings of a Year-Long Program at UIUC,and the 2022 and 2023 IDEA Conferences This experience not only showcased the project's success but also served as an inspiration for future endeavors. Moving forward, GrOW plans to collaborate with the Graduate Student Community of the Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE) to institutionalize and expand the program. GrOW participants are keen to ensure that the spirit of GrOW continues even as current members graduate. This collaboration aims to create a more structured and sustainable platform for the empowerment of women and gender minorities in engineering.
The GROW project is a shining example of how a group of dedicated individuals can create an inclusive environment, empower minority students, and lay the foundation for a more diverse and vibrant future in the field of engineering. It's a reminder that when we come together to support and uplift one another, we can achieve remarkable things.