ABSTRACT

Women remain underrepresented in many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) support groups were developed in 2001 as an intervention to foster community in graduate and postgraduate women in STEM at a large academic research institution. Since the WISE program’s inception, over 1,500 women have participated. From 2011 to 2018, anonymous, voluntary surveys were distributed at the end of every academic year to WISE group members. Surveys consisted of quantitative and qualitative data regarding participants’ perceptions of and experiences in the WISE groups. From 2011 to 2018, 76.4% of survey respondents (n = 416) reported that WISE groups were an excellent experience overall. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data demonstrated four major benefits of WISE group participation: creation of community, having a safe space, emotional support, and peer mentorship. Suggestions for improvement included increasing access to groups. The WISE group program was a well-liked intervention that may support graduate and postgraduate women in STEM. Study limitations, as well as implications for future research, practice, and advocacy are noted.

 抽象的

女性在许多科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 领域的代表性仍然不足。科学与工程领域的女性 (WISE) 支持小组于 2001 年成立，旨在作为一项干预措施，在大型学术研究机构的 STEM 领域培养女研究生和研究生社区。自 WISE 计划启动以来，已有 1,500 多名女性参与其中。从 2011 年到 2018 年，每个学年结束时都会向 WISE 小组成员分发匿名自愿调查。调查包括有关参与者对 WISE 团体的看法和经历的定量和定性数据。从 2011 年到 2018 年，76.4% 的调查受访者 (n = 416) 表示 WISE 团体总体来说是一次极好的体验。定性数据的主题分析证明了 WISE 团体参与的四大好处：创建社区、拥有安全的空间、情感支持和同伴指导。改进建议包括增加接触群体的机会。 WISE 小组计划是一项广受欢迎的干预措施，可以支持 STEM 领域的研究生和研究生女性。指出了研究的局限性以及对未来研究、实践和倡导的影响。