Why do we study how to become better educators? Historically, the methods used to do this research can perpetuate racial bias. As such, research produced by these faulty methods fails to provide insight that could dismantle unjust systems in STEM education. Equitable research methods in Discipline Based Education Research (DBER) are necessary for equity-centered research and teaching.

In this talk U-M Postdoctoral Fellow Paulette Vincent-Ruz (she/ella) will present:
1.) The “Resources for Equitable Activation of Chemical Thinking Framework”, a framework she proposed to center equity theories in DBER.
2.) Her QuantCrit (Quantitative Critical Theory) ​​methodological approach.

She will use this framework to unearth a counterstory to traditional and harmful explanations of the “underperformance” of Black students in an Introductory Chemistry course and practical implications that improve instructors' practice, and better support their marginalized students.

Dr. Vincent-Ruz will engage the Michigan community in conversation on how to center equity in Discipline Based Education Research and practice.

At Michigan Engineering, the job of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community rests not within one organization or group of people, but with all of us. Only in this way can we move the field toward an equity-centered future. Equity-centered engineering is a guiding