This study examines survey data from 2,129 women undergraduates at CUWiP (Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics) in order to classify what led them to study physics. We use expectancy-value and self-efficacy theory to create a coding framework based on different types of value and efficacy expectations in order to group responses. We find that the most common attractions are social persuasion, which is due to pressure or persuasion from people around the students, and intrinsic value, which is related to the inherent value of engaging in physics.

Examining reasons undergraduate women join physics

Of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, physics sees a dramatic underrepresentation and a lack of diversity due to systemic educational issues. Historically underrepresented people in physics (HUPiP) include women and racial minorities (specifically Black and Hispanic/Latinx ). Based on the American Institute of Physics TEAM-UP project and the American Physical Society Threatened Departments project, we decided to pursue a program to increase the number of HUPiP by starting locally in Philadelphia, a racially diverse community. By building relationships between Drexel Physics and physics teachers in Philadelphia schools, we hope to work with teachers to survey the paths students take to being a physicist. To this end, we interviewed Philadelphia physics teachers to get a better sense of their interests, needs, and attitudes toward recruiting students into physics. These interviews revealed that there is a need for improved personalized communication, a desire for HUPiP guest speakers in the classroom, clearer information on careers in physics, and highlighting specific school district difficulties surrounding high school physics education.

Recruiting Future Philly Physicists

Investigating the Relationship Between Motivation and Retention in Women Undergraduates

Poster Session 2D

poster

**Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics**

As a gateway discipline to STEM majors and careers, physics plays a central role in deciding who does, and who doesn't, get to discover and pursue scientific careers. Technical and scientific professionals are rewarded with economic privilege and status which affords them both social and cultural power. Therefore, social justice will be realized only when the opportunity, and the choice, to excel in physics is open to all students. The culture and practices of the physics classroom reflect the culture of physics at large, which raises the question of how our professional physics communities can embrace, rather than inadvertently repel, a diverse group of academics that can help improve physics culture.  To this end, the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference will focus on defining inclusive spaces and practices. Additionally, we will explore strategies for eliminating exclusionary practices in our classrooms, research spaces, and professional organizations. We call on the community to propose sessions that will drive conversations related to these initiatives throughout PERC 2021.

Please download the full program [here. ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TRMC_SYJ3PUqXyP7sskA7LRSA8ow0eRE/view?usp=sharing)

PERC SM 21

August 4, 2021 - August 5, 2021 in a Virtual Conference Format

Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics

PS.E-MO-04: PER: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion III - Gender

technical paper

Join AAPT and Physics Educators worldwide in developing and strengthening your professional connections by attending the 2021 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting. AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques.

Listen to internationally known plenary speakers, attend sessions, workshops, and special activities. Attending the virtual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and learn from and network with leaders in the field.

Please log in with your AAPT account or register for the event if you haven't already.

If you are registered please note that you need to be logged in with your AAPT email / credentials in order to get access.

Maxwell Franklin

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Examining reasons undergraduate women join physics

Recruiting Future Philly Physicists

Investigating the Relationship Between Motivation and Retention in Women Undergraduates

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