AN INTERPRETIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ENGINEERING JOURNEY OF A BLACK MALE ENGINEERING MAJOR

Abstract

Though there have been calls for broadening participation in engineering, the representation of Black males in engineering remains a challenge. Further exacerbating the lack of representation of Black males in engineering is the relative scarcity of literature on the nuanced experiences of Black males. The purpose of this project, which is part of an ongoing study, is to investigate the engineering identity development of Black male engineering undergraduates from the first year through graduation. The guiding research question for this phase of the study was: How does a Black male engineering student come to identify himself as an engineer? Because of the link between engineering identity development and persistence, we reviewed the engineering role identity framework to hone our sensitivity to possible themes that might emerge during the study. To understand the specific, idiographic psychological experiences of Mateo (pseudonym), the sole study participant, we conducted a single-case interpretive phenomenological analysis of three semi-structured individual interviews. We inductively developed five themes to describe Mateo's engineering journey during his first year, including: "got to like being in tough situations," engineering as "eye-opening," becoming, the contribution of others to engineering identity development, and defining success and finding balance. The findings illuminate Mateo's cultural assets, agency, introspection, and resilient engineering identity. In supporting the engineering identity development of Black males, institutions should consider engaging them in practices that encourage reflection, resilience, and agency.