Trump's anti-DEI mandate will make it hard to recruit new scientists
For half of my 32 years as a professor of chemistry at Ball State University, I was involved in executing a National Science Foundation grant called the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. Its aim was to encourage a broader participation in the sciences.
The LSAMP program identified undergraduate college students who were underrepresented in the sciences and tried to assist them in progressing toward their STEM degree. A primary feature was to provide those students with summer research experiences working side-by-side with a faculty mentor. Repeatedly, studies have shown that research experiences are essential for undergraduates to identify as a scientist.
The LSAMP program was extraordinarily successful, producing hundreds of new scientists over the course of its existence, all of whom were American citizens. The program did not interfere with, prohibit or reduce the historical population of undergraduates who participated in summer research or who became scientists.
Sadly, the program, established by Congress over 30 years ago, has recently been dissolved, along with other vital programs, due to new guidance restricting federal grants relating to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is hard for some to understand that without a continuous, new source of scientific talent, the US cannot hold onto its economic growth and military security or ensure quality products in manufacturing.
A myriad of industries, including paint, food, plastics, pharmaceuticals and aerospace who rely on a constant supply of American scientists expect a shortfall in the not-too distant future. It is difficult to see how we can meet our need for new talent in the sciences after stopping the successful LSAMP program.
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