As part of my PhD project in Astronomy and Physics Education, I am exploring this question, specifically how perceptions of physicists’ influence students’ connection to physics as a subject, as well as their identity as a physics person. By understanding the practices we associate with becoming a physicist, we can support our students to build stronger identities with physics. Research has shown that strong physics identities can improve student experiences and student outcomes, but it is notably beneficial for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
To support this research, I am conducting a UK-wide project to better understand how those involved in physics departments at UK universities perceive the process of becoming a physicist, and how often they have the chance to develop their physics identities through their physics career. We are looking for undergraduate physics students, taught postgraduate masters physics students, postgraduate research physics students (masters or PhD), and all physics staff (not just those involved in research and/or teaching!) to take part.
If you would be willing to share the survey invitation with your colleagues and students, then please indicate your interest using the following Microsoft Form: What Makes a Physicist?
This project has been considered and approved by the University of Glasgow College of Science and Engineering Research Ethics Committee (application number 300240106).
Thank you for your time,
Lauren