Best Practices from the University of Michigan Applied Physics Program to Enhance Diversity

The Applied Physics Program at the University of Michigan allows graduate students to do research at the frontier between the physical sciences and technological applications, which is not readily accommodated by traditional single-focus graduate programs. In the last two decades, the program has attracted many underrepresented minority and female students, matched these students with faculty with research programs that are beyond the traditional boundaries of physics, and provided the support structure and mentorship that was needed for the students to succeed. Building on our success, we have recently launched a master's bridge program designed to prepare students from underrepresented groups for doctoral studies in applied physics, physical sciences and engineering. In this talk, I will share some of our best practices that can be used by other programs that are interested in enhancing diversity.