In this paper, I lay the foundation for a broader discussion of the impact of sexual harassment on the gender composition of college majors. First, I focus on the rates of sexual harassment experienced by different groups of students and how these disparities can be understood through the framework of intersectionality. In the next paper, I will…

Collegiate men are overrepresented in student conduct systems across the higher education landscape as they are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors when compared with their female counterparts (Laker & Davis, 2011). There is a strong correlation between these high-risk behaviors and the ideology of toxic masculinity (Wagner, 2015).…

The research and discourse surrounding Black women in college has continued to expand in its scope in recent years. Scholars have written about Black college women in several ways describing the intersections of their multiple identities, racial battle fatigue, and the unique adversities they face (McKinzie & Richards, 2019, Shahid et al,…

As the United States works towards strengthening and diversifying the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, many national charges aim to increase the quantity of female participants, while overlooking how systematic barriers affect the quality of female students' education. Many STEM workforce development programs, such as…

In this study, Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994; 2000) was the theoretical framework to understand Black Women college students' career development process that included cultural (person and contextual factors). Due to Black Women embodying two historically oppressed and marginalized identities (gender and…

This doctoral dissertation documents the experiences of women (student and faculty) in computer science programs. The research emerges from the literature on the gender gap in computing and video gaming. Thus, the author seeks to find the meaning that participants have granted to their experiences as undergraduate students and faculty, in a…

Experiences of Black women in college are often lost in conversations about college students. Although underrepresented students are highly researched, the focus is usually on Black males and White females. This research identifies the obstacles encountered by Black women at predominately white institutions on their pursuit of a college degree,…

This study investigates the influence of K-12 STEM education on the retention rates of Black women pursuing STEM majors in higher education institutions in Texas. The problem addressed in this study is the unknown influence of K-12 STEM education on Black women majoring in STEM in Texas higher education institutions. This research aims to describe…

Student evaluations of teaching (SETs) represent a widespread method of evaluating effective teaching by colleges and universities. Literature suggests SETs are biased against women and members of underrepresented groups, and their validity and reliability have been called into question. Some evidence suggests student gender, as well as instructor…

The present study explores the use of Student Evaluations of Teaching (SETs) within higher education institutions. In particular, bias associated with student ratings was explored in several ways. An experimental study design, using an advanced measurement framework was employed. Eight faculty participants from four ethnic-identity groups, and two…

This action research project centers the narratives of women and nonbinary students of color as they navigate leadership roles within student government at Ivy League institutions. The overarching aim of the project is to develop an understanding of the barriers to participation for women and nonbinary students of color and collaboratively…

Student evaluations of teaching (SET) are commonly used to assess teaching effectiveness and influence personnel decisions in higher education. This quantitative study sought to determine if gender and years of teaching experience were related to SET ratings for collegiate aviation faculty. Constructs evaluated related to gender stereotypes and…

In this dissertation, I complete three studies to evaluate potential reactions to target role congruity, especially gender role congruity, through an examination of Student Evaluations of Instructors (SEIs). Target role congruity refers to assessments an observer makes of whether or not the various roles a target person fills "fit" with…

Black women have engaged through social media platforms, as a mechanism to uplift their embodiment, despite being relegated to the margins. The hashtag #BlackGirlMagic (BGM) is linked to narratives of Black women in higher education that are empowering and problematic. The development of the popular social media movement during a time when Black…

The intersection of both race and gender are significant in understanding the experiences of Black women. Black sorority membership provides a space where the intersection of both race and gender are valued and understood. Black sororities also provide a sense of belonging, advocacy, and support to assist Black women at PWIs in navigating racism…