The American Physical Society Bridge Program has awarded the Department of Physics with $180,000, which will be given over three years, according to the release.
The grant money comes from the American Physical Society Bridge Program that supports students who don’t have the course requirements or lab experience typically needed for physics doctoral programs.
Only two new sites out of 15 applicants were selected for this program nationally this year, including IU, according to the ?release.
The other winning school of this year’s grant was the University of Central Florida, according to the press release.
Additionally, the IU Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences will start accepting five students per year instead of two.
They also plan to fund the program for at least an additional two years beyond the initial three, according to the release.
“Physics is a vocation that anyone can pursue and, historically, contributions in physics have from all countries and all people,” said John Urheim, professor in the Department of Physics and future director of the IU APS Bridge Program, in the release. “In this country, however, physics has lagged in terms of diversity, and we would like to be part of the effort to rectify the situation.”
He went on to say in the release that IU’s physics program can only benefit from bringing in more diverse students.
“Some of the discipline’s greatest achievements result from the broadest possible range of perspectives and ?problem-solving,” he said. “Increasing diversity not only benefits those who have a passion for physics but also the overall advancement of knowledge in the field.”
Minorities only account for 20 percent of all bachelor’s degree holders, yet make up 35 percent of the college-age population, according to the release.
Additionally, they comprise fewer than 10 percent of bachelor’s degrees in physics and only account for 5 percent of doctoral degrees awarded each year, according to the release.
“IU’s selection as an APS Bridge Program site will deliver multiple benefits to the university and our students,” said David Daleke, vice provost for graduate education and health sciences as well as associate dean of the University Graduate School, in the release. “The program will recruit highly motivated students to our graduate physics program and will provide a support structure and mentorship to ensure their success in doctoral studies.”
Students in the program will spend two years in an individualized master’s degree program and research roles to enhance their chances of getting into a doctoral physics program, according to the release.
The students will also receive $20,000 in a stipend, partial tuition coverage and health benefits, according to the release.
The first students accepted into this program will begin in the fall of 2016, according to the press release.
“IU’s selection as a site for this bridge program is an honor for the university, as well as the Department of Physics, and will surely help attract talented new students to IU and the field of physics from across the country,” said James Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs, in the release. “We’re eager to greet this new cohort of scholars when they join us next year.”
Suzanne Grossman
