10 Years Later: Dr. Brian Burt鈥檚 Mission to Transform STEM Pathways for Black Males
Dec 20, 2024, 15:08 PM
In 2014, the Big Ten 91视频 highlighted Dr. Brian Burt, then an emerging scholar. Now, a decade later, we reconnect with Dr. Burt, now a Full Professor and Director of Wisconsin's Equity & Inclusion Lab (Wei LAB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how his early experiences have shaped his current work. His commitment to supporting Black males in STEM has culminated in the groundbreaking Black Males in Engineering (BME) project, aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black males in STEM fields.
In 2014, the Big Ten 91视频 highlighted Dr. Brian Burt, then an emerging scholar who had recently begun his role as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Iowa State University. His journey from a music education major at Indiana University to a rising academic exemplified the transformative impact of mentorship and the research opportunities he accessed through the Big Ten 91视频鈥檚 Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) and his SROP Fellowship at Indiana University.
Now, a decade later, we reconnect with Dr. Burt, now aand of Wisconsin's Equity & Inclusion Lab (Wei LAB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore how his early experiences have shaped his current work. His commitment to supporting Black males in STEM has culminated in the groundbreaking (BME) project, aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black males in STEM fields.
Reflecting on the Journey: Seeds Planted Through SROP
In our 2014 profile, Dr. Burt shared how his participation in SROP was a pivotal moment in his academic journey. "My SROP experience planted very important seeds," he said. "From the first day, all participants had nametags with 'Dr.' preceding our names... that small programmatic initiative was the first time I thought of myself as being a 'doctor.'"
Before SROP, Burt hadn't engaged in independent research beyond classroom assignments. The program introduced him to the world of academic research, with mentors like Dr. George Kuh and Dr. Shaun Harper guiding him through the process. "I did not know back then that I was working with some of the most well-respected scholars in my field," he recalled. These relationships not only helped him navigate his master's and doctoral studies but also laid the foundation for his future work.
The Black Males in Engineering (BME) Project: A Bold Vision
Today, at the heart of Dr. Burt鈥檚 research is the , a comprehensive initiative that includes a website, five videos, and accompanying handouts. Drawing on the largest collection of qualitative data on Black males in engineering graduate programs, the BME project explores how these students develop their identities as engineers, the challenges they face, and the support systems that help them persist.
Much like the Big Ten 91视频鈥檚 collaborative efforts鈥攕uch as uniting library collections through the BIG Collection鈥攖he BME project is built on the idea that collective action can bring about meaningful change. Burt鈥檚 work seeks to address systemic barriers in STEM education by providing practical tools and resources to students, educators, and policymakers.
鈥淭he Big Ten 91视频 has long been a space where collaboration thrives,鈥� Burt explains. 鈥淚n many ways, the BME project embodies that spirit of cooperation, drawing on collective knowledge to provide solutions that can be applied across multiple institutions.鈥�
A Network of Scholars: Working Across Big Ten Institutions
Throughout his career, Dr. Burt has maintained the collaborative spirit that began with his SROP experience. He continues to work with fellow Big Ten scholars, sharing research and strategies to improve diversity and equity in STEM education. These partnerships are essential to the success of the BME project.
鈥淔rom early childhood education to graduate studies, Black males need consistent support throughout their academic journey,鈥� Burt emphasizes. 鈥淏y working together, Big Ten institutions can create a network of resources and mentorship that helps overcome the barriers they face in STEM.鈥�
Expanding Access: From Mentorship to Leadership
As he did ten years ago, Dr. Burt stresses the importance of mentorship and community. In 2014, he advised aspiring researchers: "My experience was more than just about doing research; it was about building relationships with mentors, building a community with like-minded student peers, and setting the foundation for a dream later realized (the Ph.D.)."
Now, he is determined to expand the reach of the BME project across the Big Ten and beyond. He believes that collaboration is essential to ensuring that Black males in STEM receive the support they need at every stage of their education. "By working together, Big Ten institutions can create a lasting impact鈥攏ot just at one university, but across the entire Alliance," he says.
The Future of Black Males in STEM: A Collective Effort
Looking ahead, Dr. Burt sees his work as part of a broader movement within the Big Ten 91视频 to create more inclusive academic environments. Just as programs鈥攍ike CourseShare and the BIG Collection鈥攈ave revolutionized institutional collaboration, he hopes the BME project will inspire similar efforts to address inequities in STEM education. 鈥淲e have to see ourselves as part of something bigger,鈥� Burt reflects. 鈥淭he challenges Black males face in STEM are not unique to one institution, and neither are the solutions. By collaborating, we can create a brighter future for everyone.鈥�
Continuing the Conversation
With the launch of his new website and video series, Dr. Burt is making his findings more accessible, offering practical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers.
- To learn more and explore these valuable resources, visit , and join Dr. Burt in his mission to create a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape.
- Burt presented the BME project at the Inclusive Excellence Distinguished Lectures Series; a co-sponsored event between UW鈥揗adison's College of Engineering and School of Education. If interested in Burt presenting the video series and BME project at your Big Ten campus, please contact him directly: Brian.A.Burt@wisc.edu.
- The BME project's social media accounts on , , , and (formerly Twitter) host ongoing discussions and innovations in supporting Black males in STEM.
