Rate My Professor Jane Lehr

Jane L. Lehr is a Professor in the Ethnic Studies and Women’s, Gender & Queer Studies departments at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a focus on science and engineering education. She earned her Ph.D. in Science & Technology Studies and Women’s Studies from Virginia Tech and previously served as a Postdoctoral Research Officer at the Centre for Informal Learning and Schools at King's College, University of London. In her current roles, Dr. Lehr directs the Office of Student Research and serves as Director of Research Engagement for the College of Liberal Arts. She has previously chaired the Women’s & Gender Studies Department and acted as Faculty Director of the CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) in STEM Program. As affiliated faculty in the Center for Engineering, Science & Mathematics Education, Computer Science & Software Engineering department, and Science, Technology & Society Program, she has advanced educational equity and inclusive undergraduate research opportunities. Her honors include the 2016 Phenomenal Woman Award from the Gender Equity Center, the 2016 Queer Student Union Faculty Member of the Year award, and the 2014 President’s Diversity Award for Faculty. Dr. Lehr was elected co-chair of the Science & Technology Taskforce of the National Women's Studies Association.

Dr. Lehr's research specializations encompass Critical Race, Feminist, Queer, and Decolonial Science & Technology Studies, science and engineering education, and student research experiences emphasizing access, inclusion, and equity. She teaches courses including Queer Ethnic Studies, Gender, Race, Culture, Science & Technology, and Gender, Race, Class, Nation – Global Engineering, Technology & Development. Key publications highlight her influence, such as "The globally competent engineer: Working effectively with people who define problems differently" (Journal of Engineering Education, 2006; 688 citations), "Many experts, many audiences: Public engagement with science and informal science education" (2009; 315 citations), "Discussing dialogue: Perspectives on the value of science dialogue events that do not inform policy" (2009; 243 citations), "Creating Community through Faculty Development to Support Inclusive Undergraduate Research Mentorship" (Transformative Dialogues, 2016), and "Liberal Studies in Engineering Programs – Creating Space for Emergent & Individualized Pathways to Success for Women in Computing Disciplines" (ASEE Proceedings, 2015). Through these contributions, Dr. Lehr has significantly impacted equity in STEM fields and mentorship practices.