Thriving Despite Negative Stereotypes in STEM with Nilanjana Dasgupta

Dasgupta’s research focuses on implicit bias and the self-concept, with special emphasis on ways in which societal expectations subtly shape individuals’ attitudes and behavior toward others and, in some cases, influence their own self-concept and life decisions. In her talk, she will highlight the impact of implicit stereotypes on individuals’ own academic and professional choices. She demonstrates that these choices are constrained by subtle expectations that signal who “naturally” belongs in a profession or academic field and is likely to succeed, and who seems like an unlikely fit. Dasgupta then asks the question -- what factors release these constraints and enhance individuals’ real freedom to pursue any academic and professional path purely based on ability not stereotypes? She addresses this question in two achievement domains: women and girls’ aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and women’s leadership aspirations in professions that are disproportionately male. Speaker: Nilanjana Dasgupta, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts at Amherst