Highlighting Hispanic Researchers at RTI

Research by and about the Hispanic and Latino community took center stage at the Highlighting Hispanic Researchers Forum, a hybrid event coordinated by the UNA Comunidad Employee Resource Group (ERG) at RTI. UNA Comunidad is one of the fifteen ERGs at RTI that advances employee inclusion by engaging staff members on the experiences and identities of diverse colleagues. UNA Comunidad advocates for Hispanic/Latino empowerment and celebrates the community’s success. At RTI, our dedication to improving the human condition means that we proudly highlight research that makes a positive impact. This event fostered a sense of belonging among the Latino community, highlighted the value of Hispanic researchers, and celebrated the Latino community's contributions during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

In their keynote address,  Dr. Erin Velez and Dr. Ruth Heuer, two education researchers, presented data from their report titled Exploring the Educational Experiences of Black and Hispanics PhDs in STEM, a research project supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Later, the almost 70 participants learned more about various investigations and projects conducted by five of RTI’s Hispanic researchers.

Hispanic Researchers' Varied Educational Experiences

Dr. Heuer, a senior research education analyst at RTI, first presented data showing that approximately 58,000 PhDs are awarded each year at U.S. institutions, of which 32,000 are awarded to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Dr. Heuer shared that while 19% of the U.S. population is Hispanic, only 8% of the PhDs awarded in STEM are awarded to Hispanic researchers. Moreover, Hispanic STEM PhDs attend public universities for their undergraduate studies at a higher rate than their Asian, Black, and White peers. The presentation also discussed several ways in which the educational experiences of Hispanic and Black PhDs differed from their White and Asian counterparts. 

Educational Disparities Affect Black and Hispanic Researchers in STEM

Dr. Velez, director of education research at RTI, shared interesting differences across racial groups in time-to-degree and student loan debt. For example, 58% of Black STEM PhD recipients completed their doctorate more than 10 years after earning their bachelor’s degree, compared to just 30-35% for the other racial groups. Additionally, Dr. Velez shared that White STEM PhDs are more likely to receive assistantships and fellowships during their doctoral studies than Hispanic or Black STEM PhDs. Hispanic or Black STEM PhDs also acquire significantly more graduate debt. Some 81% of Hispanic or Black STEM PhDs took on more than $40,000 in graduate debt, compared to just 6% of White STEM PhDs. 

After presenting the various disparities in STEM students’ educational pathways, Dr. Velez concluded that there is a need for more students of color to earn PhDs in STEM, and in order to achieve that goal, it is necessary to understand the particular challenges students of color face earning their degrees.

Showcasing Hispanic Researchers' Innovative Research

The forum’s second session highlighted innovative research conducted by the following Hispanic researchers:

For me, the event was highly successful and achieved two key objectives. First, it highlighted the disparities in the STEM field for African American and Latino professionals compared to White professionals in the United States. Secondly, it showcased the innovative work of Hispanic heritage scientists at RTI International. These scientists are involved in projects across the U.S. and in various countries around the world. Their work not only focuses on advancing fields such as bioengineering, social sciences, and pharmacy, but also on training the next generation of Hispanic scientists. —María Dávila, PhD, Manager, Systems Analysis & Programming

This event provided a great opportunity to highlight the work that Hispanic researchers are conducting at RTI International. UNA Comunidad not only highlighted RTI’s diversity, but also promoted inclusivity by providing Hispanic researchers a platform to showcase their work and demonstrate how it contributes to the institute’s mission of improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Lessons learned from the key speakers were also very insightful, which emphasized the importance of inclusivity in higher education and shed a light on the challenges that Hispanic and Black PhDs often face, which can create disparities in their participation. —Daniela Cruz, PhD, Research Biomedical Engineer

From groundbreaking medical advancements to innovative educational initiatives, these researchers are making a significant impact on our world. By highlighting their work and addressing the challenges they face, we can inspire future generations of Hispanic scientists and foster a more inclusive and equitable research community. As Dr. Erin Velez emphasized, a more diverse research field is essential for addressing the complex challenges we face today. By investing in the education and support of Hispanic researchers, we can create a brighter future for all.

Watch the recording of the forum here.