Bay Path University

www.baypath.edu 7 At Bay Path, our commitment to developing robust degree programs that equip our students with the skills needed to build successful careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics— commonly referred to as STEM—is a top priority, now more than ever. Why? STEM fields are among the most promising for graduates, with 80 percent of the fastest-growing US occupations requiring mastery of skills and knowledge in math and science. This is not surprising considering that career opportunities in STEM fields grew three times as much as jobs in non-STEM fields over the past ten years. And, workers with STEM degrees enjoy higher earnings than other degree holders, regardless of occupation, according to Edutopia.org. However, despite the promise for aspiring STEM professionals, there remains a lack of diversity and a strong gender gap in a number of these fields. Recent data from MillionWomenMentors.org revealed that just one quarter of STEM workers are female, and of these, fewer still are minorities—a mere 26 percent. There's a broader issue, too: only three out of every 12 women who've earned a bachelor's degree in a STEM field still work in STEM 10 years after graduation, suggesting that while women are going into STEM, they are not remaining in STEM. "With the rapid growth in STEM jobs, there is an accompany- ing need for more STEM-skilled individuals to fill those jobs," said Dr. Christine Bacon, chair of the Bay Path science department, and associate professor of biology and biology secondary education. "This area of expertise is lacking in both ethnic and gender diversity, which is why Bay Path is committed to preparing our undergraduate and graduate students for rewarding careers in these fields." Our undergraduate science department currently employs nine full-time and six adjunct instructors, all teaching STEM courses. Additional faculty teach in our cybersecurity and masters programs. At Bay Path, science majors such as forensics, biology, and the recently added programs of neuropsychology and neurobiology, are popular majors, and we are continuing to see great growth in this area. The Commonwealth of CHANGING THE FACE OF STEM Dr. Princy Quadros-Mennella and Dr. Thomas Mennella, faculty in our science department. BPW_WinterSpring 2016_final_Layout 1 3/24/16 2:44 PM Page 10

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