A historical perspective on diversity in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Programs

Objective: Diversity is integral for an effective learning environment and pedagogy. In this study, we aim to determine the student and faculty diversity in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences programs at Stony Brook University. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data over 20 years for the traditional program and 8 years for the hybrid program. Results: Over 20 years, 502 students graduated from the traditional program, and 96 students graduated from the hybrid program. In the traditional program, an average of 25 students enrolled with 75% female and 25% male and in the hybrid program, an average of 12 students with 8.5 female and 3.5 male enrolled. The traditional program had the highest proportion of Asian students (50%), with White students making up 24.5%, whereas the highest proportions in the hybrid program were 35% White students and 24% Hispanic students. Among the 5 boroughs of New York City, the highest proportion of student representation was from Queens and Manhattan in both traditional (24.1%) and hybrid programs (16.7%). There were 30% male and 70% female faculty served in the traditional program whereas the current representation of fulltime faculty is 100% female. Conclusion: Our data show the diversity of students and faculty in clinical laboratory sciences programs at Stony Brook University institution.