Antar Tichavakunda, LinkedIn Profile
- University of Southern California; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Urban Education Policy
- George Mason University; Master’s degree, Education
- Brown University; Bachelor’s degree, Education Studies/Policy
Location: California, United States
In this month’s “Spotlight,” we focus on Dr. Antar Tichavakunda, a scholar whose work at the intersection of race and higher education has been vital in advancing the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) mission. As an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Antar brings a deep commitment to educational equity, particularly in supporting Black students in STEM fields.
Antar came into MNT-EC at the start of the MNT-CURN program in 2021. I have had the pleasure of working with him for the past three years. One of the things that stands out to me about Antar is that he really listens to understand. This is so important in today’s world, especially when you are dealing with students. He really makes you feel like what you have to say is important (and it is!). I really value this quality in the people I work with.
EDITOR’S NOTE: MNT-CURN “v2” is found under a new program, temporarily hosted here: AT³, the 8-month Advanced Technology Technician Training program.
Can you share your background and the pioneering work you’ve done in your field?
“I started off as an English teacher in DC and then pursued my doctoral degree at the University of Southern California for education. Much of my work looks at the intersection of race and higher education. I hesitate to call anything I’ve done pioneering, but I am proud to have contributed to research on Black students’ experiences in higher education!”
“My book, Black Campus Life (SUNY Press page with print and digital options), is a bit novel in that it might be the first ethnography about engineering students and one of the few ethnographies about college students out there. I got to hang out with Black engineering students for a year and wrote about it. It was one of my most memorable research experiences.”
An in-depth ethnography of Black engineering students at a historically White institution, Black Campus Life examines the intersection of two crises, up close: the limited number of college graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and the state of race relations in higher education…. Most fundamentally, Black Campus Life argues that Black collegians are more than the racism they endure. By studying and appreciating the everyday richness and complexity of their experiences, we all—faculty, administrators, parents, policymakers, and the broader public—might learn how to better support them. —SUNY Press
NOTE: Book cover is linked to the Open Access download page.
Can you describe the key initiatives or projects you’ve led at MNT-EC?
“I’ve had the privilege of holding focus groups with students in MNT-CURN to get a more qualitative understanding about their experiences. I’ve also worked with Dr. Jalil Bishop (who is also a part of the MNT-EC team and you can read about his work here) to think of different ways MNT-EC can bolster strategic partnerships with other groups doing similar work.”
Antar’s work in leading focus groups has been instrumental in understanding how students navigate their identities within the context of STEM education. These insights are crucial for MNT-EC’s ongoing efforts to enhance student experiences. Additionally, his collaborative efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships have expanded MNT-EC’s reach, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
What are some of the challenges and successes you’ve experienced in promoting DEI within MNT-EC, and how have these shaped the center’s overall mission and impact?
“One of the biggest successes is that pretty much across the board, students feel included. They tell us that they can tell MNT-CURN values diversity, and they see the intentionality behind having a diverse representation of presenters. This is a big win.”
“The biggest challenge is related to this success. Students feel included and have positive experiences, but they don’t necessarily report having discussions about identity outside of their STEM identities. Obviously, this program is geared towards success in micro-nanotechnology and ensuring students get those competencies and awareness about the field. I wonder how, if at all, MNT-CURN can create spaces to meaningfully reflect on their identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) in relation to their STEM identity and see their identities as an asset to bring to their work and not something to mute.”
From my perspective as Center Manager, Antar’s reflections on the challenges and successes of promoting DEI within MNT-EC highlight his commitment to ensuring that all students feel included and valued. His insights into how the center can further engage students in discussions about their identities beyond their STEM roles are vital to MNT-EC’s mission of fostering a diverse and thriving community.
What do you love best about your work?
“Honestly, I really just enjoy talking with and learning from students and their experiences. The knowledge they bring from their lives can really shape educational spaces for the better.”
Dr. Antar Tichavakunda’s dedication to learning from and supporting students is evident in every aspect of his work. Through his research, teaching, and contributions to MNT-EC, he is helping to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments.
For more insights into Antar’s work, you can explore his book Black Campus Life, available in both print and open access versions in the links above, or visit his LinkedIn profile at the top of the page.
Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, please get in touch at my email below.
Thanks,
Billie
