Volume 2 | Issue 3
DISCOVER UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
WHAT WE DO + WHY IT MATTERS
At its core, research within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences centers on improving lives. With expertise in agriculture and the environment, family and communities, and health and wellness, our reach is both broad and deep. Uniting us is a reliance on the latest innovations in data and technology, as well as a deep commitment to solving real-world problems affecting Central Illinois, the United States, and the globe. Here, we showcase a fraction of our world-class research in the area of family and communities, revealing racial inequities in STEM, strengthening intimate relationships, addressing hunger in rural Africa, and providing evidence-based resources to families during an unprecedented pandemic.
RACIAL MICROAGGRESSIONS IN STEM EDUCATION
Race-related experiences on college campuses may contribute to racial disparities in STEM occupations.
Careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are among the fastest-growing in the United States, yet racial and gender disparities remain in STEM occupations. ACES research shows when students of color in STEM majors experience racial microaggressions, these experiences shape their perception of the racial climate on campus. Such experiences may discourage students of color from continuing in their programs, contributing to the lack of representation in STEM education programs. Racial microaggressions are subtle behaviors or remarks that can demean, degrade, or invalidate an individual. According to the research, when students of color in STEM majors felt excluded, invisible, isolated, or discouraged on their college campus or in classrooms because of their race, they were less likely to continue in STEM.
FAMILY RESILIENCY CENTER BUILDING BLOCKS OF RESILIENCE Challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have undoubtedly created strain and stress for families. To help families cope, researchers in ACES’ Family Resiliency Center (FRC) have created Building Blocks of Resilience briefs, a resource for families that offer evidence-based strategies, as well as new ideas to face challenging circumstances. The briefs cover topics spanning the spectrum of everyday family life, highlighting ways in which families can be resilient. The first brief in the series looks at the importance of family routines. Other topics include healthy relationships; physical activity during times of stress; cooking with kids; family traditions and celebrations; talking to kids about racism; and responsive feeding. The briefs are available for free download through the FRC website at go.illinois.edu/FRC_buildingblocks.
Building Blocks of Resilience focus on six themes: Responsive Feeding; Family Traditions & Celebrations; Cooking with Kids; Physical Activity during Times of Stress; Healthy Relationships during Times of Stress; and Family Routines.
