Dr. Robert Ford earned his B.S. Degree in chemistry from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. He was recently recognized as a distinguished alumnus by both institutions. He is also a retired professor from the Department of Chemistry in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Texas Southern University. He is CEO of DFR Industries LLC and a Zotech Global LLC Advisor. He serves on the College of Science and Engineering Advisory Board for TSU and Southern University in Baton Rouge. He is a board secretary for TSU Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy. Bob is an International Consultant having conducted projects in South Africa, Gambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Taiwan, Germany, Brazil, Belize, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. He has also studied STEM programs in education in China, Singapore, and Malaysia.                   

 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Dr. Robert Ford discuss:

• The National Science Program and its focus on STEM fields.
• Multi-level preparation for the STEM fields. 
• Student preparation strategies, scholarships, research backing, advisors, and financial support.
• Understanding parent apprehension and aversion to STEM fields. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The importance of building minority interest and learning supports within STEM fields throughout the k-12 school system.
• The significance of building community support behind bolstering African American involvement in science professions. 
• Making faculty aware of possible solutions while encouraging students to work in cooperatively in teams. 

 

“This issue is not something that one institution can solve, it is a community of institutions.” - Dr. Robert Ford

 

Mentioned:

https://lsamp-nb.rutgers.edu/   

 

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KEYWORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Kristen Braun

 

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