MS in Physics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette: efforts toward diversity

We became part of Bridge in 2016 in an effort to enhance our ability to attract and educate underrepresented students. Minorities, a group with very high potential and unused opportunities, are the most effective role models for young students who are attracted to a career in science. While the faculty is somewhat diverse (30% women, 10% African-American), our student body is not. We have had successful female and minority students but have not been able to maintain their representation in every cycle. With the help of the Bridge program, we can build a more solid campaign as we offer a fertile environment for their growth: a heightened level of mentorship, access to diverse areas in physics, as well as an immediate feedback on their progress. Our students take advanced classes in a small-class setting, which can be easier to personalize. They work on research projects in a very close and direct feedback with their research advisers, which often leads to publications. This experience greatly enhances their skills and prepares them to be accepted and succeed in PhD programs, indicating that our program is an effective stepping-stone between undergraduate and doctoral education. We will present our program and efforts taken toward attracting and retaining underrepresented groups.