
Dr. Lisabeth Santana
University of Utah
How BIPOC PhD Physicists Build Networks & Navigate Identities
Location: 1080 Physics Research Building
Faculty Host: Geraldine Cochran
Abstract: Despite that low percentages of physics degrees are earned by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and documented obstacles that negatively impact them during their academic and professional careers, it is important to understand their path to success in physics. In this talk, I will describe the social networks of BIPOC PhD-holding physicists and the role they have in navigating careers. In addition to understanding who is part of their networks, I will also discuss how identities are leveraged to access support and how BIPOC PhD Physicists navigate their marginalized and complex identities. This work is important for the field to better understand how to support physicists with diverse identities and redefine success.