Women in Physics: UH One of 21 U.S. Physics Programs Awarding 30 Percent or More of Its PhDs to Women


Report Compiled by American Institute of Physics

A March 2019 report issued by the American Institute of Physics reveals the Department of Physics at University of Houston is one of a small number of universities awarding 30% or more of its Ph.D. degrees to women.

Between 2013 and 2017, only 21 physics departments at four-year institutions awarded 30% or more of their doctorates to women. UH is one of only four public R1, or very high research activity, universities on the list.

“The Graduate Studies Committee has actively looked for applications from under-represented groups, and, once these students are in the program, we have encouraged their participation in active research programs,” said Gemunu Gunaratne, physics department chair. “We are very excited to be one of the few programs that award over 30% of our PhDs to female candidates.”

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The AIP report provides a comprehensive overview of the representation and participation of women in physics and astronomy fields. Full Report

- Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics