Performing Physics: An investigation of identity at the intersections of race, science, and performance art*

There is a current push to understand and address the underrepresentation of Black folks in physics, and STEM more broadly. This talk discusses research that works to explore this through studies of identity and practice. This work is premised on an understanding that the systems of oppression operate within the culture of physics, and postulates that bridging the gaps between science and art can help us begin to address this challenge. In this talk, I will describe three ongoing studies that explore these ideas. The first is an overview of the Critical Physics Identity (CPI) framework, a methodological tool to understand the structural and systemic factors that impact the ways that folks identify with the physics discipline. The second applies the CPI framework for an analysis of Black physicists' narratives in order to highlight themes in the institutional and structural resources that mold their physics identities. The third explores ways that the performance arts might be used as a tool to address the issues found from the analysis of these narratives. This talk concludes with a working model for informal physics programs designed to support student identity, that incorporates the content and practices from the performing arts and from physics.