To “recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of diverse scientists” is a part of the ASM Recommended Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology Education. The use of STEM-spiration Profiles in my courses has allowed my students to learn about a wide array of scientists in the field now, historic scientists, and even some alumni of our college making their way in STEM careers. Introduction of a profile may be linked to course content. While studying bacterial genetics students are introduced to Tsuneko Okazaki, and when learning about the microbiome a profile about Ariangela Kozik is shared with students. Each week students explore a new profile, so over the semester most students discover a person with whom they are able to relate and gain inspiration to persist in their STEM dreams and goals. Students consistently report at the end of the term how much the STEM-spiration Profiles impacted them.
