Building community through centering ethics, society, policy, and activism in physics spaces

Although physicists have responsibility and play key roles in societal change, these opportunities and connections are often minimized. In classroom and department spaces, the omission of these conversations perpetuates the myth that physics is purely objective and removed from societal impact and influence to incoming generations of scientists. This messaging misrepresents the messy social aspects of science and can discourage those who are looking to use their careers for social good from pursuing physics (most often women and students of color). As a physics education researcher, I focus on developing and understanding the impacts of curricula around ethics, society, and policy conversations in science classrooms. I will share some of this research, as well as my own experiences feeling seen and finding community among activists in physics spaces.