Recruiting for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines: perspectives of Black and Hispanic entomologists 1 , 2

Abstract

This study reports the results of a survey focused on the views of Black and Hispanic entomologists toward the recruitment of under-represented groups to entomology The respondents, 7 Black and 11 Hispanic out of an estimated population of 43 Black entomologists and 54 Hispanic entomologists, were asked to comment on several open-ended questions including challenges and prospects for the future. Implications about recruitment of under-represented groups to the field of entomology included using same-race mentors, establishing programs linking entomology departments to historically black colleges and high schools, and developing entomology-based programs in the inner city. With regard to challenges for the future and future prospects, many of the respondents voiced concern about the future of entomology as a separate discipline, discrimination against minorities in science, and lack of opportunity.