Central Michigan University is one of six recipients of the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE Catalyst Award.

The award recognizes institutions helping to increase representation and advancement opportunities for women in STEM.

CMU educators will use the award of $295,170 to examine the climate and issues that may serve as barriers to women who are interested in pursuing faculty positions in STEM fields.

The team members who will manage the project are A.T. Miller, vice president and chief diversity officer; Katrina Piatek-Jimenez, professor of mathematics; Frim Ampaw, professor of educational leadership; Tracy Galarowicz, department chair and professor of biology; and Lisa Gandy, associate professor of computer science. A faculty advisory board also has formed to support the research.

The National Science Foundation reports that the lack of participation and career advancement in STEM is often a function of external, systemic factors unrelated to women’s abilities, skills or interests. These institutional barriers range from implicit biases, underrepresentation of women in academic leadership, the overall culture of academic organizations and more.

“CMU defines institutional success as successful recruitment, retention, promotion and equitable salaries for women at our institution,” Miller said.

Learn more about the award at the Center for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s website.