Increasing Latino/a Representation in Math and Science:

Recent Yale alumnus Jarrad Aguirre relates his experience creating MAS Familias, a campus organization that supports Latino/a undergraduates studying math and science. Alarmed by Latino/a students’ academic struggles and the lack of Latino/a role models in the fields of math and science—and increasingly aware of the social benefits of a diverse scientific work force—Aguirre built MAS Familias to promote dialogue, offer support, and improve persistence for Latino/a undergraduates in math and science departments. Aguirre calls on undergraduates to work together across institutions, to work with youth to build strong networks of budding Latino/a scientists, and to share their stories, as he has done, in an effort to promote change.

Click here to access this article.
Click here to purchase this special issue.

Jarrad Aguirre graduated in May 2009 from Yale University, where he majored in biology. A recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, he is currently a master of science candidate in medical anthropology at the University of Oxford. After his time at Oxford, Aguirre hopes to continue his education at medical school, with the ultimate goal of improving the health of underserved populations in the United States and abroad.