A Systems Perspective to Advance Equity and Inclusion in Engineering

The engineering field has been grappling with its limited diversity for a long time. Such a problem not only affects the groups that are being excluded, but it deprives everyone of the potential solutions we could generate by considering a more comprehensive range of perspectives. There are multiple dimensions through which we can approach this challenge, yet systemic views for change are required in order to identify key leverage points that can lead to positive long-term change. This talk will present the research agenda at the DAREtoCARE Lab, showcasing a systems perspective scrutinizing engineering education within a care framework. Results from research projects ranging from the mental health of engineering undergraduates and professionals, policymaking affecting the advancement of women faculty in engineering and the training of socially responsible engineers will be discussed. Future directions derived from this research and its implications for the training of future generations of equity-minded engineers will also be addressed. 

Dr. Matilde Sánchez-Peña is an assistant professor of Engineering Education at University at Buffalo – SUNY where she founded and leads the Diversity Assessment Research in Engineering to Catalyze the Advancement of Respect and Equity (DAREtoCARE) Lab. Her research focuses on the development of cultures of care and wellbeing in engineering education spaces, assessing gains in institutional efforts to advance equity an inclusion using a complex systems perspective, and the use of data science for training socially responsible engineers. Through her teaching and mentoring she also aims to connect research to practice through the training of the next generations of equity-minded instructional designers. She was recognized with the 2021 Apprentice Faculty Award by the Educational Research Methods Division of American Society for Engineering Education, and with the best paper award within the same division in 2023.