Case Studies

Since 2006, Coleen Carrigan has been combining ethnographic methods and the case study method to promote equity and inclusion in STEM.

Ethnographically designed case study facilitations are skill-building interventions constructed from everyday relationships, creating common experiences with verisimilitude to enhance participants' engagement with the material. These scenario-based learning modules establish a collective framework for discussion and debate among participants. Problem-solving with peers facilitates the sharing of best practices and strategies and helps catalyze institutional change.

 

Advancing Cultural Change

Case Studies Ideal for Undergraduate Students

Advancing Cultural Change engages Cal Poly undergraduates in ethnographic research to explore campus culture and the lived experiences of its community members. The Carrigan Lab then creates case studies from the data to engage students, faculty and academic leaders, at the local and national level, to problem-solve collectively and share strategies to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. 

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Case Studies Ideal for Graduate Students

NAVIGATE, an interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars at Cal Poly and University at Buffalo, is an innovative programmatic intervention that uses case studies to support female graduate students’ persistence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The goals of the case studies are to form community among participants and share the tools, resources, and skills they require to serve as change agents in the diversification of the scientific workforce. 

Interrupting Bias

A Case Study Ideal for Faculty Members

“Interrupting Bias in the Faculty Search Process” is a live action case study film used at national leadership development workshops to help transform the faculty hiring process. In the film, a search committee of four tenure-track faculty members debate candidate qualifications for an open position. This case study aims to help faculty to:

  • Demystify subtle discrimination 

  • Examine assumptions of competence and fit

  • Become change agents