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Abstract: Native American faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (NAF-STEM) are severely under-represented. NAF-STEM often have greater responsibilities and challenges in academia leading to lower retention and promotion rates, which can also have an impact on career satisfaction and individual success. A group of Native scholars and diverse scholars at two tribal colleges and one state university collaborated on a culturally grounded project with NAF-STEM in higher education to examine their collective lived experiences in academia. Qualitative analyses were guided by Indigenous Research Methodologies using a collaborative autoethnography approach. The results of these shared experiences are intended to aid in the creation and maintenance of equitable and successful models to recruit and retain NAF-STEM. Advice aimed at guiding educational equity for Indigenous scholars is shared.
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This content will become publicly available on January 1, 2027
Addressing the experiences of mothers in academia—a call for structural and cultural change
Parenthood has been linked to lower retention of women in academia, yet the specific challenges faced by mothers remain underexplored. We interviewed nine mothers across different career stages in the life sciences to qualitatively examine how motherhood intersects with academic milestones. Participants described challenges unique to academia, including dependence on supervisors, publication pressure, financial strain, and limited awareness of available institutional resources. They also shared strategies that supported their success, such as transparent communication with supervisors, designating student–parent coordinators, and creating peer communities for mothers in academia. By highlighting shared barriers and effective solutions, this work underscores the need for structural and cultural reforms to better support mothers in academia and retain talented scientists in STEM fields.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2047391
- PAR ID:
- 10697648
- Publisher / Repository:
- FEBS Letter
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- FEBS Letters
- Volume:
- 600
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0014-5793
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 133 to 139
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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