Preparing Diverse Students for Success in the Academic and Private Sectors: The “Problem” of the Leaky Pipeline
The “leaky pipeline” in academia—researchers forgoing a traditional, tenure-track future for corporate, government, or other non-academic jobs—is often regarded as a fundamental problem in higher education, especially when those leaving are academics of color or women. But is this move to outside the academy all that bad?
In this second episode, our guests explore the “problem” of the leaky pipeline and examine why students leave academia. They also share their unique perspectives on how to retain students through innovative programs, initiatives, and encouragement.
First, Dr. Pamela Queen, a professor at Morgan State University, explains how pursuing non-academic ventures can inform research, uncovering the potential fluidity of scholarship. She walks through the challenging culture of postdoctoral work, and how programs like The PhD Project can support diverse students through it.
Next, Dr. Rihana Mason, a research scientist at Georgia State University, digs into academia’s many exit and re-entry points, surfacing an update to the leaky pipeline, the “braided river.” She also discusses her new co-authored book, Academic Pipeline Programs: Diversifying Pathways from the Bachelor’s to the Professoriate, which outlines key elements of effective pipeline programs—mentorships, professional development, and sharing success stories with students.
To wrap up, Todd Baldwin and Miranda Nunhofer of SAGE Publishing highlight new initiatives at SAGE that support diverse students throughout their academic career and beyond.
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