Former lab members Dr. Carly Busch and Margaret Barstow collaborated with Katey to explore why U.S. science and engineering (S&E) undergraduates struggling with mental health often lack role models.
The study surveyed over 2000 S&E faculty at research-intensive institutions and found that nearly a quarter reported depression and a third reported anxiety, yet fewer than 10% disclosed these struggles to their students. This lack of disclosure leaves many undergraduates, half of whom experience depression or anxiety, without relatable examples of success in S&E.
Faculty cited stigma, irrelevance to course content, and hesitation to share personal struggles as reasons for concealment. The paper highlights the importance of challenging these norms to create more inclusive classrooms where mental health discussions are normalized, benefiting students and instructors alike.
Read it here! Why U.S. science and engineering undergraduates who struggle with mental health are left without role models
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