scholarly journals Creating More Inclusive Research Environments for Undergraduates

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Haeger ◽  
Corin White ◽  
Shantel Martinez ◽  
Selena Velasquez
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Pell Grant ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Stem Majors ◽  
Research Environments ◽  
Majority Students

Although there are numerous evidence-based benefits to undergraduate research for new-majority students (students who are from traditionally underrepresented ethnicities, first-generation college students, students from lower-income families, or transfer students) (Hurtado, S. et al., 2011; Kinzie et al., 2008a; Lopatto, 2007), they are less likely to participate or stay in mentored research experiences (Finley & McNair, 2013; Haeger et al., 2015). In order to determine not only who has access to undergraduate research, but to also identify what barriers to full-inclusion exist for new-majority students, we conducted a mixed methods study at a public, Hispanic Serving Institution. We analyzed institutional data to explore who participates in research and who does not. We also specifically sampled a group of students who expressed an interest in research experiences but who never actually participated for our student survey (N=96). Additionally, we conducted five focus groups with students, staff, and faculty (N~30). We found positive results in the analysis of patterns of participation and found no significant or substantial differences between students who did or did not participate in undergraduate research in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, or first-generation status. The undergraduate researcher population did have significantly more STEM majors and Pell grant recipients. The qualitative analysis identified barriers to participation in research in the following areas: access to research opportunities, programmatic structures, research culture and norms, and campus climate. We present these findings along with descriptions of initiatives that have been successful in diversifying research participation and strategies to create more inclusive research environments.

Impact of Short-Duration Research Experiences on STEM Self-Efficacy among Early-Stage, Rural, First-Generation College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 42-49
Author(s):  
Jandy Hanna ◽  
Hannah Carreon ◽  
Micheal Fultz ◽  
Erica Harvey ◽  
Caitlin Howley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Stem Majors ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Before And After ◽  
First Generation College

In rural West Virginia, the First2 Network aims to improve STEM persistence by including students in creating solutions to STEM attrition. A research program for rising first-year students in STEM majors is discussed here. The authors assessed students’ STEM education and career plans, identity, efficacy, and sense of school of belonging before and after the program. Students’ STEM identity, efficacy, and school belonging improved after participation.

scholarly journals A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience on the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance and its Molecular Basis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Dickinson ◽  
Joya Mukerji ◽  
Stuart Graham ◽  
Liz Warfield ◽  
Ben Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Stem Majors ◽  
Cellular Machinery ◽  
Transformative Approach ◽  
Introductory Classes ◽  
The University

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) in high-enrollment, introductory classes are a 37 potentially transformative approach to retaining more students in STEM majors. We developed and piloted a CURE 38 in the introductory biology courses at the University of Washington. This CURE focuses on analyzing experimental 39 evolution of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli and generates data on two topics relevant to clinical practice: 40 compensatory mutations and cross-drug effects. By studying mutations in central cellular machinery that confer drug 41 resistance, students not only gain insight into fundamental cellular phenomena, but also recognize the molecular 42 basis of a medically important form of evolutionary change, connecting genetics, microbiology, and evolution.

scholarly journals Integrative Approach for a Transformative Freshman-Level STEM Curriculum

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm J. D’Souza ◽  
Kathleen L. Curran ◽  
Paul E. Olsen ◽  
Agashi P. Nwogbaga ◽  
Stephanie Stotts
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Student Centered Learning ◽  
Stem Majors ◽  
Integrated Concept ◽  
And Mathematics

In 2014 Wesley College adopted a unified undergraduate program of evidence-based high-impact teaching practices. Through foundation and federal and state grant support, the college completely revised its academic core curriculum and strengthened its academic support structures by including a comprehensive early alert system for at-risk students. In this core, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty developed fresh manifestations of integrated concept-based introductory courses and revised upper-division STEM courses around student-centered learning. STEM majors can participate in specifically designed paid undergraduate research experiences in directed research elective courses. Such a college-wide multi-tiered approach results in institutional cultural change.

A Study of Mechanical Engineering Students’ Learning Outcomes During Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Pierrakos
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Undergraduate Research Experiences

Undergraduate research experiences, which are highly promoted and supported by NSF and other agencies, present a great opportunity for our students to learn essential problem solving skills. The National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is one of the largest initiatives supporting active research participation by undergraduate students in all of the areas of research funded by NSF. The REU program, with more than 600 sites around the world, presently funds over 1000 active awards, totaling over $327 million. From these active REU awards, 384 (38% of the total active awards) are related to engineering (determined by having ‘engineering’ as a keyword in the title and abstract) and account for about $170 million, about half of the total amount of awards to date. In spite of such widespread support and belief in the value of undergraduate research, limited well-grounded research and evaluation studies exist [1]. Most of the existing literature reveals the predominance of program descriptions, explanation of models, and evaluation efforts, rather than studies grounded on research. Only recently have research and evaluation studies focused on assessing the benefits of undergraduate research [1–8]. Some of these benefits are (a) retention for underrepresented groups, (b) increased interest in the discipline, (c) gaining critical thinking skills, (d) increased self-confidence, and (e) clarification of career goals. Moreover, most of these studies on undergraduate research have focused on the sciences, whereas undergraduate research experiences in engineering have been understudied.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Retention in First-Generation College Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian S. Pratt ◽  
Hunter B. Harwood ◽  
Jenel T. Cavazos ◽  
Christopher P. Ditzfeld
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
First Generation College Student ◽  
Campus Environment ◽  
Cultural Fit ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
First Generation College

The current project uses our university’s new student survey to compare previously reported trends in first-generation college student (FGCS) retention with those found on our campus and discusses potential directions for future research and intervention programs. Consistent with previous research, our data showed that financial concerns were a particularly strong predictor of freshman-to-sophomore retention. FGCS reported that they were significantly more concerned about money and expected to maintain employment throughout their college career at higher rates. This emphasis on work reduces the amount of time FGCS engage in college-related activities and hinders their feeling of connection with their peers. For example, our FGCS expected to encounter more difficulty performing well academically, fitting into the campus environment, and making new friends than non-FGCS students. Our future research agenda extends these findings to other aspects of campus life, examining issues such as cultural fit, family ties, and university inclusiveness.

scholarly journals Building Back More Equitable STEM Education: Teach Science by Engaging Students in Doing Science

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C R Elgin ◽  
Shan Hays ◽  
Vida Mingo ◽  
Christopher D Shaffer ◽  
Jason Williams
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Closing The Achievement Gap ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Analytical Thinking ◽  
Science Framework ◽  
Structural Inequities

The COVID-19 pandemic is a national tragedy, one that has focused our attention on both the need to improve science education and the need to confront systemic racism in our country. We know that active learning strategies, in particular research experiences, can engage and empower STEM undergraduates, effectively closing the achievement gap for historically excluded persons. The apprenticeship model for STEM training - supervised research under a dedicated mentor - is highly effective, but out of reach for most students. Recent efforts have demonstrated that Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) can be an effective approach for making STEM research accessible for all. Our meta-analysis of CUREs finds that published examples now cover the breadth of the typical undergraduate biology curriculum. A thoughtfully designed CURE can go beyond foundational knowledge and analytical thinking to include career-related skills, e.g., teamwork and communication. Similarly, it can be designed with equity as a foundational principle, taking into account the unique contributions of all students and their varying needs. We provide here an example framework (The "Do Science Framework") for making STEM training more effective and inclusive using CUREs. While CUREs do not inherently address equity, there can be no equity in STEM education without equal access to research participation, and progress toward this goal can be achieved using CUREs. However, implementing new CUREs is not a trivial undertaking, particularly at schools with high teaching loads and little or no research infrastructure, including many community colleges. We therefore propose a National Center for Science Engagement to support this transition, building on experiences of current nationally established CUREs as well as the work of many individual faculty. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, academia has a renewed responsibility to dismantle structural inequities in education; engaging all STEM students in research can be a key step.

Effects of Research-Related Activities on Graduation at a Hispanic Serving Institution

2021 ◽  
pp. 152102512110650
Author(s):  
Winny Dong ◽  
Rebecca M. Eddy ◽  
David M. Mendelsohn ◽  
Courtney Koletar ◽  
Monique Matelski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Underrepresented Minority ◽  
Hispanic Serving Institution ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Hispanic Serving ◽  
The Impact

This paper reports on the results of a study of 6,654 unique students on the type of research-related activities (e.g., undergraduate research and internships) they participated in while at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). Results indicate that the odds of graduating for students who participated in research-related activities were almost twice those of students who did not participate in research-related activities. These results differ from and complement studies on the impact of undergraduate research at liberal arts colleges and research-intensive universities. Study results indicate that non-first-generation students, non-low-income students, and non-underrepresented minority (non-URM) students were more likely to participate in research. Participation in internships with industry and with a professional were most predictive of graduation. Students who participated in multiple research-related activities were also more likely to graduate than those who participated in fewer activities; results indicate research participation is equally beneficial across groups with different demographic characteristics including major, sex, first generation and URM status.

Using Multidisciplinary Research Experiences to Enhance STEM Learning through Undergraduate, Team-Based, Summer Research Projects for At-Risk Students

2014 ◽  
pp. 198-220
Author(s):  
Jennifer Yantz ◽  
Brittany D. Smith ◽  
Ginger Holmes Rowell ◽  
Thomas Cheatham ◽  
Donald Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Stem Learning ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Stem Majors ◽  
Faculty Mentor ◽  
And Mathematics

Undergraduate research can be one of the most important and influential learning experiences during a student's college career (Light, 2001). Significant retention value is achieved both through one-on-one contact with a faculty mentor (Campbell, 1997; Jacobi, 1991) and by interaction with peers in a learning community (Johnson, 2001). Colleges and universities are using undergraduate research experiences to help improve student retention, graduation, and success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, undergraduate research is frequently reserved for the best and brightest students who have achieved junior or senior class status. This case study describes a team-based research experience designed for first-year, at-risk undergraduate students. For this project, the term “at-risk” is defined to be first-time, full-time freshman declared STEM majors with a weak mathematics background as measured by having an ACT-Mathematics sub score of 19 to 23, inclusive. In particular, this case study focuses on the multidisciplinary nature of some of the research projects and the benefits for the students in terms of confidence, depth of learning in STEM, and progress in understanding the scientific process.

scholarly journals Using Data To Enhance Decision Making: Graduation Initiative 2025

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
Shari McMahan ◽  
Muriel C. Lopez-Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Graduation Rates ◽  
First Generation ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
California State University ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Pell Grant ◽  
State University ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Data Driven Approach

The California State University launched its Graduation Initiative 2025 in January 2015 with a clear goal to increase graduation rates for our 475,000 students across all 23 campuses.  The Graduation Initiative 2025 will add 100,000 more baccalaureate degree-educated citizens to California over the next ten years and begin to meet workforce demands. Increasing graduation rates, particularly for first-generation students, requires a strategic, data-driven approach. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) faces particular challenges as 81% of our undergraduate population are first-generation college students, 63% receive Pell Grant, and 56% of incoming first-year students require some form of developmental coursework in English, math, or both.  Data-driven decision-making must be used to focus graduation efforts.  CSUSB organizes data regarding college readiness, and enrollment characteristics as preparedness have a direct influence on time to degree.  Data on persistence and progress towards the degree are also important to track when examining graduation rates as it helps identify areas to improve.  Finally, data on completion and post-graduation are indicators to track the progress of the initiative and meeting workforce demands. 

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