Uncharted: How Scientists Navigate Their Own Health, Research, and Experiences of Bias

Uncharted is a collection of first-person stories by current and former scientists with disabilities or chronic conditions that highlight the intersectionality of minoritized identities with the disability community. The book serves as representation for scientists who have never felt comfortable disclosing their disability or who have never felt fully understood, and offers recommendations for how and why to improve access.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

People with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and unfortunately, they often face isolation and ableism within academic environments. This issue is particularly prevalent and requires urgent attention.

Uncharted is a powerful collection of first-person stories by current and former scientists with disabilities or chronic conditions who have navigated various changes in their careers due to their health. These stories offer a unique perspective, shedding light on common experiences that are often overlooked or left unspoken. They delve into the challenges faced by these individuals, as well as the joys, sorrows, humor, and wonder of science and scientists.

The book showcases a diverse range of perspectives on being disabled or chronically ill, highlighting the intersectionality of marginalized identities with the disability community. Contributors include individuals who are d/Deaf, blind, neurodivergent, wheelchair users, have experienced traumatic brain injuries, have blood sugar disorders, have rare medical diagnoses, or have received psychiatric diagnoses, among many others. These stories vividly depict the struggles and triumphs that these individuals encounter, providing a deep understanding of the complexities of their experiences.

In many cases, the scientific field can be inaccessible to people with disabilities, and they candidly share their experiences of both thriving and struggling alongside their conditions. The book serves as a representation for scientists who have felt uncomfortable disclosing their disability or who have not always felt fully understood by their peers. The stories shared in Uncharted aim to normalize medical conditions and disabilities within scientific culture, offering recommendations for how and why to improve access.

Uncharted is a vital and compelling read for current and aspiring scientists who are committed to making their fields more inclusive and supportive for everyone. By acknowledging the experiences of individuals with disabilities, we can foster a culture that values diversity, empathy, and inclusivity, ultimately leading to a more equitable and prosperous scientific community.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203623