I believe that as educators and scientists we must actively work towards enriching our scientific community with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As it currently stands, the system selects for individuals who have impressive CVs, their successes documented by high GPAs and research experience. Though these are widely accepted metrics for success, they strongly disfavour many individuals1 who do not fit the ideal ‘cookie cutter’ trainee – me included. Many of these prospective trainees, who may be brilliant thinkers and experimentalists, are simply filtered out and never given a chance. We must provide equitable access and exposure to science so that instead of the system selecting against these trainees, it becomes them choosing a future in science. By doing so, we embrace community cultural wealth2 and strengthen both our research and our community by improving educational outcomes.
- Weatherton, M. & Schussler, E. E. Success for All? A Call to Re-examine How Student Success Is Defined in Higher Education. CBE Life Sci Educ 20, es3 (2021).
- Yosso, T. J. Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth. Race Ethnicity and Education 8, 69-91 (2005).