Join us in welcoming Desiree Forsythe, Ph.D., to Schmid College as a Grand Challenge Initiative Postdoctoral Fellow!

Dr. Forsythe (she/her) holds a Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island and has a background in both the biological sciences and education. She is a STEM education researcher with focus on how to disrupt oppressions in the sciences through the use of critical, feminist, and queer theorizations. Dr. Forsythe has several lines of research including how those with privileged identities in STEM work at incorporating social justice into pedagogical and professional practice and how STEM students with marginalized identities experience and navigate STEM environments.

Q&A with Dr. Desiree Forsythe

What is your current area of research and how did you become passionate about this area?

I have a background in both the biological sciences and education. I am a STEM education researcher and I focus on how to disrupt oppressions in the sciences through the use of critical, feminist, and queer theorizations. I have several lines of research including how those with privileged identities in STEM work at incorporating social justice into pedagogical and professional practice and how STEM students with marginalized identities experience and navigate STEM environments (such as classrooms, advising, office hours, etc.). I became passionate about this work after experiencing my own fair share of sexism, classism, and heterosexism in the sciences, and witnessing the harassment and marginalization of others. I get excited to work on projects with colleagues who share a similar passion in wanting to re-envision STEM as a space that includes and celebrates a diverse array of identities, experiences, and backgrounds.

What would you be if you weren’t a scientist? 

If I weren’t a scientist, I think I would open an animal sanctuary and spend my days taking care of animals! I have always had a passion for animal care (I originally wanted to be a veterinarian) and have thought about doing something like this during my retirement!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 
Oh, this is difficult! I don’t know if one piece of advice ever dramatically changed my life…but I think the best advice I’ve collected over the years from many mentors and friends is to make sure you are taking care of yourself while you are taking care of others. I think especially when we do work in sectors that are fighting against oppressive systems, we get worn down quickly by the amount of work to do and the desire to do it all quickly. Taking care of our own needs (physical and mental) allows us to show up as our best selves.
What excites you the most about GCI?
There are so many components that excite me about the GCI. I love that the fellowship allows me to advance my research AND spend time teaching and interacting with undergraduates. Additionally, the fellowship allows me the freedom to set my own research agenda (which is very rare among postdoc positions) while simultaneously collaborating with and learning from my GCI mentor. I think my favorite thing about the GCI though is my Postdoc Cohort. They are wonderful, supportive humans who make it fun and exciting to go to work each day.