The Need

In the landscape of academia, understanding and addressing the challenges faced by women tenure-track faculty in engineering disciplines is crucial for fostering diversity and inclusivity. The need to explore the factors influencing the persistence of these faculty members in the face of gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and social class disparities is pressing. The Persistence of Engineers in the Academy Survey (PEAS) emerges as a vital tool to delve into these complexities and provide valuable insights for institutions striving to create an equitable academic environment.

The Technology

PEAS is a meticulously crafted survey instrument developed through a multi-year, mixed-methods research project. It intricately probes the factors impacting the persistence of women tenure-track faculty in engineering disciplines, addressing both psychological aspects (e.g., motivation) and institutional factors (e.g., organizational climate and policies). The survey encompasses a scale derived from existing literature, capturing constructs vital to understanding the nuanced experiences of faculty members. Designed for deployment within university settings, PEAS holds the potential for adaptation to cater to the needs of industries and other non-academic organizations.

Commercial Applications

• Academic Institutions: PEAS provides universities with a comprehensive tool to assess and enhance the experiences of women tenure-track faculty in engineering disciplines, aiding in the development of targeted strategies for retention and support.

• Industry Organizations: The adaptability of PEAS extends its utility beyond academia, offering industry organizations a means to gauge and improve the persistence of underrepresented groups in engineering-related roles.

• Government Agencies: PEAS can be employed by government agencies to inform policies and initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the engineering workforce.

Benefits/Advantages

• Informed Decision-Making: PEAS empowers institutions with data-driven insights into the factors influencing the persistence of faculty members, enabling informed decision-making for the improvement of organizational culture and support structures.

• Customizable Adaptability: The flexibility of PEAS allows for seamless adaptation to diverse settings, making it a versatile tool for both academic and non-academic entities seeking to address disparities in workforce persistence.

• Strategic Planning: By identifying specific psychological and institutional factors, PEAS facilitates the development of targeted strategies to enhance the overall experience and persistence of women tenure-track faculty in engineering disciplines.