Assistant Professor University of Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota, United States
Program Abstract: The presence of insecurity among sexual minorities in STEM, particularly in engineering, represents a significant psychological challenge, shaped by complex social dynamics. This proposal examines the pervasive issue of insecurity, often rooted in minority stress, a concept defined as the unique stressors experienced by individuals from stigmatized groups due to societal discrimination, marginalization, and underrepresentation (Meyer, 2003). Drawing from the theoretical framework of minority stress, this research aims to explore its impact on sexual minority faculty within engineering, a field historically dominated by heteronormative norms and male-dominated structures.This research aims to provide empirical data and actionable insights to inform university leaders and policymakers about the importance of inclusivity in STEM, especially in fields like engineering, where the intersection of identity and career success often remains overlooked.
