WHAT WORKS? INCREASING THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN UNDERGRADUATE PHYSICS

Abstract

The physics community has been concerned about low participation by women for many years. Progress has been made, but the percentage of women in undergraduate physics is still less than half that in mathematics and chemistry. To learn “what works” in attracting and retaining women in the undergraduate physics major, the authors conducted site visits to nine undergraduate physics departments and compared those with high participation by women to those that are typical of the national average. This article details the first results of the research, showing that a strong, inclusive, female-friendly department culture is like a fabric woven on a loom. No one factor is essential, but many small factors weave together to form a sturdy fabric. Institutions, faculty members, and students all have roles to play in creating this culture. Successful schools reach out to introductory students and integrate them into department cultures. Other results of this research will be described in a second publication.

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