Stephanie Nawyn, an associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Sociology at Michigan State University (MSU), has expressed concern over the challenges of retaining diverse faculty in STEM disciplines. Despite efforts to recruit talent from underrepresented groups, many faculty members leave due to unsupportive work environments.
Nawyn highlighted the impact of a rescinded $1.24 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program, which aimed to improve workplace culture through the STEM Intersectional Equity in Departments (SIEDS) initiative. The project sought to develop a leadership toolkit for creating equitable and inclusive science departments.
The cancellation halted progress on data analysis and implementation plans. Faculty lost summer salaries, students missed research opportunities, and a planned convening had to be canceled. MSU has appealed the decision based on scientific merit.
“Our goal was to create healthier, more productive departments,” said Nawyn. “We need better environments to cultivate better scientists.”
