CLIMBS UP 1
Career outcomes and attitudes are affected by having a workplace that is well-matched to one’s needs, skills, and values (i.e., fit). For individuals in academic STEM who are from historically underrepresented groups, fit requires a positive academic climate (i.e., an environment that values differences and makes all feel welcome), which is related to positive career outcomes.
We want to understand how climate is related to career outcomes, and the mediating effects of demographics on those relationships. To do so, we use the Person-Environment Fit Theory to examine the effects of climate at the levels of the research group, department, and profession (field, discipline) on career outcomes (Figure 1).
Our team shared the CLIMBS UP survey with over 10,000 early career scholars (doctoral students, postdocs, assistant professors) in 124 departments across the United States between April and May 2021. We received over 3,500 responses from these early-career scholars in the fields of biology, economics, physics, and psychology. The survey was designed to measure perceptions of climate within the research group, department, and academic field. Because of the timing of the project, we also assessed how participants’ research progress and well-being were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We want to understand how climate is related to career outcomes, and the mediating effects of demographics on those relationships. To do so, we use the Person-Environment Fit Theory to examine the effects of climate at the levels of the research group, department, and profession (field, discipline) on career outcomes (Figure 1).
Our team shared the CLIMBS UP survey with over 10,000 early career scholars (doctoral students, postdocs, assistant professors) in 124 departments across the United States between April and May 2021. We received over 3,500 responses from these early-career scholars in the fields of biology, economics, physics, and psychology. The survey was designed to measure perceptions of climate within the research group, department, and academic field. Because of the timing of the project, we also assessed how participants’ research progress and well-being were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Experiences of Historically Underrepresented Scholars
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COVID Impacts
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Positive Authorship Climate
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PIsKendra Cheruvelil (Michigan State U.)
Kevin Elliott (Michigan State U.) Georgina Montgomery (Michigan State U.) Isis Settles (U. of Michigan) Erin Cech (U. of Michigan) |
CollaboratorsTangier Davis
Hannah Douglas Arika Hawkins Guizhen Ma Lexi Nadolsky Kathrina Robotham |
In the News |
Acknowledgments
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Research supported by: NSF-HRD-ECR (1954767 and 200579). Affiliated with Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.