Distinguished Faculty Lecture: Nilanjana Dasgupta

The choice to pursue a given professional path may feel free but is often constrained by subtle social cues about who does and doesn’t “belong there.” This lecture will show how such constraints can be lifted to allow students real freedom to pursue any academic and professional path, especially ones where their group is underrepresented. It will review highlights from a decade of research identifying people and environments in high-achieving academic settings that act as “social vaccines” to inoculate young women’s self-confidence, motivation, and persistence, protecting them against negative stereotypes.

The presentation will conclude by showcasing evidence-based remedies that may be leveraged to recruit and retain more women in STEM courses, majors, and careers, thereby increasing and diversifying the STEM workforce for the 21st century.

Professor Dasgupta will be presented with the Chancellor’s Medal, the highest recognition bestowed to faculty by the campus, at the conclusion of the lecture.

This lecture is free and open to the public. For information, call 413-577-1101.