Preparing Diverse Students for Success in the Academic and Private Sectors: The “Problem” of the Leaky Pipeline

Sponsored by SAGE Publishing

Recorded on 06/16/2021
Posted in The Authority File

Episode 198

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.

About the guests:

Rihana S. Mason headshot

Rihana S. Mason, Ph.D
Research Scientist
Urban Child Study Center, Georgia State University

Rihana S. Mason, Ph.D. is a research scientist at the Urban Child Study Center at Georgia State University. Prior to joining the UCSC, Dr. Mason served as an Associate Professor in Psychology at Emmanuel College for several years where she helped to expand the undergraduate curriculum in psychology. She is the 2021-2022 President for the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) a member of the Psi Chi Diversity Advisory Committee. She is the co-author of the Lever Press publication, Academic Pipeline Programs: Diversifying Pathways from the Bachelors to the Professoriate.

Pamela Queen headshot

Pamela E. Queen, Ph.D., PMP
Professor of Finance
Morgan State University

Pamela E. Queen, Ph.D., PMP is a finance professor at Morgan State University where she teaches students using Case Methods. She authors business cases about controversial issues to engage students and expand their critical-thinking skills. Prior to joining academia, she managed major IT modernization projects for corporate and government agencies. She serves in the Maryland General Assembly on the Economic Matters Committee. 

Miranda Nunhofer headshot

Miranda Nunhofer
Vice President, Research
SAGE Publishing

Joining SAGE Publishing in London in 1995, Miranda has worked in journals publishing for over 25years. Her career has included work within a variety of roles within the editorial department, including as a Commissioning Editor for Criminology books and journals. As Vice President for Research, Miranda has overall responsibility for the growth and development strategy for a big portfolio of social science, humanities and STM titles.

Todd Baldwin
Vice President, Library Editorial & DC Executive Lead
SAGE Publishing

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