Diversifying the STEM workforce is imperative for driving innovation and meeting future research and development needs.  Although women represent 51% of the US population, they only account for 28% of the S&E workforce.  Further, the number of underrepresented minorities (URMs) studying engineering and the physical sciences has stayed flat since 2000.  We have to turn those numbers around.  This talk will highlight recent advances in membrane technology and environmental nanotechnology while emphasizing successful approaches for engaging women and underrepresented minorities in these and other cutting edge environmental research areas.  Howard University produces the largest number of URM graduates who go on to successfully acquire a PhD in science and engineering.  This fact is just one piece of data that illustrates the transformative nature of involving students with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in cutting edge research.

Diversifying our field: Water treatment and environmental nanotechnology as case studies for engaging women and underrepresented minorities in environmental engineering and science

248th National Meeting (2014)

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