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The Chemistry Graduate Student Experience: Findings from an ACS Survey

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Education
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States); University of Oregon, Dept. of Chemistry
  2. Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Graduate training is a key element in producing a scientific workforce that reflects the nation’s diversity. This paper examines data from a 2013 American Chemical Society (ACS) survey of 2,544 chemistry masters and doctoral students and reveals barriers to reaching this goal. Multivariate statistical analyses indicate that women reported significantly less supportive relationships with advisors. Women were less likely to plan to finish their degrees, and for PhD students, the discrepancy was larger for students at the start of their graduate program. Women were also less likely to pursue the next level of training, and the gender difference related to postdoctoral plans was greater for those who identified with a racial-ethnic group traditionally underrepresented in chemistry (underrepresented minority, URM). URM students who were beyond the first year of their graduate program reported significantly less supportive relationships with peers. They were also less likely to have funding sufficient to meet their needs and more often used personal resources including loans. Despite these difficulties, URM students were more likely to definitely plan to finish their degrees, and men who identified as URM were more likely to plan to pursue postdoctoral work. Independent of gender and identification as URMs, students in more highly ranked schools reported less advisor support. Extensive open-ended comments indicated that large proportions of the students desired more attention and meaningful feedback from advisors and changes within their programs to promote support for students and advisor accountability. Suggestions for future research are given, and a companion commentary discusses needed directions for change.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-03ER46061
OSTI ID:
1865192
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Education, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Education Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 99; ISSN 0021-9584
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Similar Records

Policies and Practices to Improve the Chemistry Graduate Student Experience: Implications of the ACS Survey of Graduate Students
Journal Article · Thu Oct 28 20:00:00 EDT 2021 · Journal of Chemical Education · OSTI ID:1865191

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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