Dr. Ryan Emanuel Appointed to NSF Committee

Recently Dr. Ryan Emanuel was chosen to serve on the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Committee on Equal Opportunity in Science and Engineering. Dr. Emanuel will serve on the committee for 3 years. The Committee on Equal Opportunity will help facilitate the participation of more under-represented ethnic and racial groups, women, and people with disabilities in science and engineering fields. In 2019, the NSF’s statistical agency released the Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities report encompassing information about the current status these groups in science and engineering fields.

Here are a few statistics based on the report:

• Approximately 10% of scientists report having one or more disabilities (including but not limited to: difficulties in hearing, ambulatory, and cognitive ability).
• 32% of women and 44% of men enrolled in STEM graduate school are temporary visa holders
• Women receive more degrees in psychology and biosciences and the least in computer sciences and engineering.
• Racial status of full-time employees: 70% white, 14% Asian, 8% Black or African American, 7% Latino/Latina/Latinx or Hispanic, and 0.3% Native American or Alaskan Native, 0.3% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and ~1% multi-racial.

Proportions of women, ethnic and racial groups, and disabled persons have increased in STEM fields over the past 20 years, but these groups are still underrepresented in science and engineering fields.

When asked about the appointment, Dr. Ryan Emanuel stated the following, “Science and engineering are more robust and impactful when they include diverse perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to help advise the National Science Foundation on policies and practices that remove barriers to participation and increase the diversity within the scientific community.”

Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Emanuel for his appointment to the NSF’s Committee on Equal Opportunity in Science and Engineering!

Written by: Leslie Smith