September 27, 2024
Physics is the study of the natural world. We often distinguish ourselves from other natural sciences by describing our interests in exploring the relationships between energy and matter. Where then, does equity play a role in our field and why should we care? This talk will discuss what we have learned from the Physics Education Research (PER) community. In particular, we will discuss equity issues and how we continue to support barriers that impact the most marginalized in the field. We will end with what we can do to progress in equitable ways.
Dr. Ximena Cid is Associate Professor and past chair of Physics, California State University, Dominguez Hills. She identifies as Chicana and Yaqui. She has expertise in understanding challenges that impact students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of careers in physics and STEM fields. She has held several advisory roles including:
• Past Board member for the National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP)
• Co-founder of the Society of Indigenous Physicists (SIP)
• Committee on Diversity for the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
• Forum on Diversity for the American Physical Society (APS)
• Life member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Dr. Cid co-organized the first gathering of Indigenous Physicists and Space Scientists that took place in July 2024 in Seattle WA. The gathering included members from 22 tribes/nations from the US, Hawaii, Canada, Guam, and Mexico. She is likely also the first self-identified Indigenous person to Chair a Physics Department in the US.
She was the primary organizer for the NSHP’s annual Día de la Física (Day of Physics) between 2016-2019, a conference designed to provide students an opportunity to learn cutting-edge physics, create a sense of community, and provide resources to help students and professionals connect.
Her current work centers around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) in Physics and STEM fields and has allowed her to work with professional societies and universities. She has led workshops and professional development sessions with the goal of providing training on how to make STEM fields more equitable.
Her dedication to providing opportunities for all students has been recognized with being named fellow of the AAPT in 2021 as well as the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Service from the AAPT in July 2018.