Jackie Shen Why this Workshop Over J-term in my sophomore year at Amherst College, I enrolled in a course called Being Human in STEM. Prior to the first class meeting, we were given an assignment which included a preliminary reflection on our identities and our roles in being human in STEM. The fourth question of…
Unsaid Thoughts: A Conversation on Class Dynamics
Rebecca Awuah & Lauren Ju Mainly, is STEM objective, and if not, is objectivity even realistically achievable? Sandra Harding and Helen Longino both emphasize the idea that science happens in conversation with society at large. In other words, science is not practiced by individuals but by social groups. Consequently, scientific knowledge can be better characterized…
Dear Human: Letters From an HSTEM Alumni
Lorelle Cortés SangHuman in STEM ‘J21 For Building a Basis January 19, 2021 Dear Human, The idea for these letters stems from a watershed moment. In the fall of this past year I finished my major requirements at Amherst and I broke down, but perhaps in the best way possible. I want to emphasize here…
Uncovering The ‘Hidden Curriculum’ at Amherst
Jessica Butler What is the Hidden Curriculum? Defined by Dr. Amy Heard Egbert in a recent Twitter thread, the Hidden Curriculum is “the rules and norms that you only learn if you know somebody who knows somebody.” The rules of the hidden curriculum feel ever-changing. At the undergraduate level, these ‘norms’ can be found in…
Group Peer Tutoring: Reducing Belonging Uncertainty in Introductory STEM Courses
Claire Macero, HSTEM ’23S Themes: DEI, Outreach Disconnect Addressed: Advantages contributing to STEM success / Deficiency models often focus on individuals closing gaps Goal: This project will propose a group peer tutoring system to provide academic and social support to students who feel out of place in STEM. Outlining the Need The Leaky Pipeline in…
How To Tackle Imposter Syndrome
A Four-Step Guide For Students by Yuen Azu ’23 This booklet aims to raise awareness of a common, yet under-spoken feeling that many students feel and provide on-campus resources for those who wish to seek help. Step 1: Define Imposter syndrome is an internal battle. This phenomenon describes when individuals doubt their accomplishments and have…
HSTEM Inclusive Curricular Practices Handbook
Inclusive practices in STEM for lecture and the laboratory (that work for ALL disciplines!) HSTEM began as a special topics course in the spring of 2016 with the goal of understanding and enhancing the STEM climate at Amherst College. Building on three semesters of HSTEM student efforts, a group of faculty and staff put together…
Amherst HSTEM 2025 Spring Reading List
The HSTEM reading list grows and evolves over time with each iteration. HSTEM values the unique expertise and experiences of its facilitators, who bring their human selves and interests into the classroom. As a result, the reading list has taken an interdisciplinary approach, as exemplified by this 2024 reading list, which was created by Zac Watson ’24, Dr. George Abraham, and Dr. Jaswal….
Week 8 – Being Human in STEM, The Experience & The Data II (Sample)
This is an out-of-class activity completed by HSTEM students in response to the reading materials provided. Here, an HSTEM student’s responses to this activity are shown as a sample of what an HSTEM instructor may expect. Materials Optional Beginning of Module Work Please complete these to help build your academic foundation and prepare for active…
Week 7 – Being Human in STEM, The Experience & The Data (Sample)
This is an out-of-class activity completed by HSTEM students in response to the reading materials provided. Here, an HSTEM student’s responses to this activity are shown as a sample of what an HSTEM instructor may expect. Materials Jigsaw Reading (read and complete summary, reflection, and quote pulling for just the group assigned to you.) Beginning…