Population Council’s Post

A recent report by the New York City Economic Development Corp. found that employment in science, technology, engineering and math fields grew by about 130,000 jobs, totaling 323,000, over the past decade. According to the latest data from the New York State Department of Labor, about 363,000 jobs exist in the finance and insurance sectors. Wall Street jobs grew by about 13% over the past 10 years. New York City’s rate of STEM employment growth over this span, at 67%, surpassed its overall growth in private sector jobs, at 14%, and the growth rate in U.S. STEM employment, at 32%. This rapid growth in STEM employment helps fortify the city’s economic base, with the Big Apple not overly exposed to downturns in particular sectors, such as technology in certain West Coast cities such as San Francisco and Seattle. The report found that New York City’s world-class institutions, such as Cornell University, Columbia University and New York University, play a vital role in the talent pipeline that both learns and works in the city. From 2011-21, the annual number of STEM degrees awarded in New York City increased by 61%, outpacing the U.S. growth rate of 19%. These graduates then stay within the city limits, with 84% of all STEM job growth occurring in Manhattan alone.

The Impact of Privilege on Perception My wife is in the final months of completing her DPhil at Oxford University. She is a formidable academic, holding two master’s degrees and a postgraduate diploma in statistics, data science, and computer science. She has over 40 publications to her name and is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. I mention her credentials to underscore her capability and expertise. Recently, she shared an experience that highlighted how privilege can distort perception. During a discussion on analysing cardiovascular imaging data, a non-technical doctor dominated the conversation about statistical methods, sidelining my wife's expert insights. This exemplifies how privilege can dictate which voices are heard and whose perspectives are valued. Despite the availability of data and the emphasis on being "data-informed," privilege still significantly shapes accepted narratives. Privilege refers to the unearned advantages granted to individuals based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or education. Those who hold privilege often dominate discussions, deciding which ideas receive attention and credibility, often overlooking marginalised voices. This limits dialogue richness, stifles innovation, and perpetuates existing biases and systemic inequalities. To foster a more inclusive environment, we must address these imbalances by actively seeking and elevating diverse perspectives. Embracing diversity enriches our understanding, enhances decision-making, and paves the way for inclusive and equitable progress. By valuing all perspectives, we expand possibilities and increase the likelihood of innovative solutions. Let's work together to ensure that every voice is valued and heard, leading to a brighter, more inclusive future. #Privilege

I am honored to have attended and completed the Pre-Review Webinar by Taylor & Francis. Continuing to grow and enhance my skills in scholarly peer review, and excited to apply what I've learned! #Research #PeerReview #ContinuousLearning

Ever feel energized by a career panel? Our 2024 TPA Fellows and Grantees got to meet TPA Alumni from our 2008-11 Academy Cohorts in a dynamic panel discussion. The conversation, focused on building leadership and influence in the policy field, was energizing for the next generation of policy leaders.  Some key insights surfaced from our Alumni Panelists about what motivates their purpose in the policy field, and the impact they’ve been able to see across their policy research and policy advocacy careers. Check out a sneak peek of our 💎 Panel Gems 💎 below: - 📊 “[My work has shown me] the power of one data point to influence policy initiatives and positively affect an entire group of people.”  - 📚 “Where I grew up, I wanted to understand the context around me and why my city and neighborhood looked the way it did. I realized this was a job, and I went for it, to help others understand it too. Now I get to inform and be a knowledge-builder.” - 📣 “Affecting change needs theory, and it also needs practice.” - 🤝 “There are whole levers of change that open up when folks come together - across policy leaders and researchers and grassroots organizers, for example.” We want to extend gratitude to the inspiring Alumni Panelists:  Dr. Chantal Hailey - Assistant Professor of Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin; TPA 2010  Enrique Valencia - PhD Candidate, The Graduate Center, City University of New York; TPA 2009 Jonay Foster Holkins - Senior Director, Policy & Corporate Initiatives at Business Roundtable; TPA 2008 Dr. Jose Loya - Assistant Professor of Urban Planning at University of California, Los Angeles; TPA 2009 Zachary Murray - Statewide Campaign Coordinator at ACCE Institute; TPA 2011 And a huge thanks to our engaged audience for their questions and discussion:  2024 Data Science Academy Fellows - Juan Sandoval, Linda C., and Micaja V. 2024 RSF + TPA Grantees - Dr. Brielle Harbin, Ph.D., Dr. Bryant Moy, Natalia Gonzalez, M.A., Dr. Terrill O. Taylor, Ph.D. #PublicPolicyCareers #PolicyResearch #FutureLeaders #PolicyCareers #CareerPanel

#SIOs must grapple with the future of Chinese student mobility to the US 🇨🇳🇺🇸. Xiaofeng Wan has published 9️⃣ articles in University World News that shed light on the complex factors influencing Chinese student mobility to the US, from admissions frenzies to safety concerns as political uncertainty looms large. Visit #UWN at https://lnkd.in/ef4agb6J to read all of his research and analysis over the last 3 years. I am proud to have served as his advisor while he was a #ExecEdD student at #BC 🦅 as well as his dissertation chair, along with committee members Philip Altbach and Heather Rowan-Kenyon. Here are just some of the articles he's published in the last 3 years: #2023 📰 Student mobility? Uncertainty abounds after political change 📰 Safety concerns could thwart Chinese students' return to US 📰 US institutions could do more to calm the admissions frenzy #2022 📰 Will Chinese international student numbers rebound in the US? 📰 Recruiting in Africa: US faces a stiff competitor in China 📰 The US has an instability problem and it's affecting HE 📰 AP exams cancellation triggers anxiety among Chinese families #2021 📰 US needs to do more to address Chinese parents' concerns 📰 How can universities in the US tackle anti-Asian racism? 📰 Will enrolment of Chinese students recover in the US?

One of the best pieces of advice that I would like to carry with myself.

Only one week to go to our next webinar with #careerservices leaders on how to throw out the old and bring in the new (change is hard).

I am grateful to those who have validated and celebrate my work as a health equity researcher. As I transition out of academia, I can't help but wonder - if I were a white person or a US citizen/resident, how many tenure-track offers might I have received? The reality is that systemic factors in academia can create very different outcomes for researchers of color compared to their white peers. While I'm proud of my work, it is disheartening to consider the barriers I may have faced due to my multiple marginalized identities. Remember: The overrepresentation of white scholars in academia is rooted in biased hiring and promotion mechanisms that perpetuate systemic inequities. Precarious working conditions for marginalized scholars should not be normalized. I hope sharing these insights can raise awareness and inspire deeper conversations about cultivating true equity and belonging in the academic pipeline. It will shape the science and medicine of tomorrow.

“Less is more.”   Do you believe that?   University of Virginia researchers do.   A study conducted a few years ago found that when trying to improve something, the natural default for most people is to add.   I see this regularly in communities trying to build engagement.   ✚ More channels. ✚ More events. ✚ More founder posts.   In actuality, sometimes what you need to do is subtract. When you have fewer things, you can focus on making each one of them better.   According to the researchers, “overlooking subtraction may mean that people are missing out on opportunities to make their lives more fulfilling, their institutions more effective and their planet more livable.”   Before you add more to something, pause and ask yourself, “Does this need more? Or would it be better with less?” 🤔 What's one thing you can cross of your to-do list or simply skip?

Research has shown the importance of strong peer relationships during the middle school years. Through High Jump, scholars make invaluable connections and friendships that will benefit them during their time at High Jump and beyond. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gExYqKV9