stem diversity

In this inaugural episode of "Inquiry Oasis," host Jeffrey Anthony welcomes Dean Berry, a distinguished researcher and advocate in mathematics education and Dean of the College of Education at the University of Arizona. Dean Berry shares valuable insights from his extensive research, focusing on the experiences and empowerment of black boys in K12 mathematics classrooms. In this context, Berry thoughtfully explains his purposeful use of the term 'boy,' underlining it as a developmentally appropriate descriptor acknowledging their need for mentorship and support, while simultaneously challenging prevailing narratives. The conversation dives deep into the importance of supportive learning environments, the impact of high-leverage teaching practices, and the surprising outcomes from his community-centered program, M-SCAN. Dean Berry also discusses the broader implications of his work, emphasizing the necessity for the STEM fields to genuinely embrace diversity and adapt to the evolving identities that accompany it. This episode underscores the brilliance of black children in mathematics and emphasizes the transformative power of assuming and nurturing this brilliance in educational practices.

Topics Discussed:

• Empowering black boys in mathematics education
• Creating supportive classroom environments
•  High-leverage teaching practices
• Community-centered educational initiatives (M-SCAN)
• Fluid racial identities in biracial students
•  Diversity in the STEM fields
•  Challenges in increasing diversity in STEM
•  Importance of assuming brilliance in black children
•  Role of teachers and administrators in fostering student engagement
•  The impact of mentorship in educational development

Book recommendation:

The Brilliance of Black Children in Mathematics: Beyond the Numbers and Toward New Discourse 

Corina Newsome grew up in Philadelphia and has always had a desire to participate in, and advocate for, the protection of wildlife and natural spaces, and encourage people of color in the U.S. to explore the great outdoors. These days, you’ll catch her in Georgia marshes doing important conservation research for the MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow. We were so psyched to talk with her and learn about all the incredible ways she walks the walk for environmental equality and access to wildlife opportunities for underrepresented demographics. 

Ask Corina about her own incredible array of accomplishments and she’ll refocus attention to the peers, communities, and institutions that support her vision. Ask about her own upbringing or experiences and she’ll redirect the question to how we can all help youth in low-income areas gain better access to the outdoors and career opportunities in wildlife. 

Corina is one of the rare people who understands that we all shine brighter if we focus our attention on helping others gain access to the wild. GET IT, GIRRRRRRL. 

BIRD SHIT WE DISCUSSED

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Corina’s “Do Anything for the Count” parody video…SO FREAKIN’ GOOD YOU GUYS.
• Diversity in Action Magazine: a great magazine “dedicated to supporting and promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math”…definitely worth a read!
• Greening Youth Foundation: an incredible nonprofit that engages "underrepresented youth and young adults while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation."
• Sarah is digging the book “Bird Sense” right now
• Find Corina in all the places: Twitter, Instagram, and her website
• Corina’s favorite bird conservation group? The Audubon Society! They do incredible work in so many communities. 

BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Blue Jay
• American Avocet
• American Crow
• Seaside Sparrow 
• Marsh Wren
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Wood Stork
• Pileated Woodpecker
• Kiwi