Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center)
Colloquia & Seminar Series
Presents
Heather Falconer, Dept. of English, University of Maine
Monday, December 6, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Barrows Hall 119 and Zoom
Rethinking the Impact of Inequity on STEM Writing Instruction
Abstract:
In this presentation, Dr. Falconer will examine the impact of systemic bias and discourse expectations on underrepresented college students in science as a factor that can push students from, or pull them toward, the discipline. Drawing on the experiences of four female undergraduate research students, she’ll examine how performativity expectations and microaggressions relating to scientific practice and discourse disrupted the students’ sense of competency as they participated in a college undergraduate research program. The presentation includes a discussion of implications for persistence, and applications for classroom and undergraduate research settings.
Bio:
Heather Falconer is an Assistant Professor of Professional and Technical Writing in the University of Maine English Department. In addition to this role, Dr. Falconer is a Co-Editor for the Perspectives on Writing book series, Co-Chair of the Research and Publications Committee of the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum, and serves on multiple editorial and regional boards. As a Writing Studies scholar, her research focuses on the intersections of culture, discipline, and pedagogy, with a special emphasis on creating inclusive educational spaces. Dr. Falconer’s research has appeared in journals such as Written Communication, The WAC Journal, and the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, as well as multiple edited collections.
To be added to the Colloquium email list and receive the Zoom link, please email the RiSE Center: risecenter@maine.edu.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Natasha Speer by email or phone: 207.581.3937.