Persistence of Women and Minorities in the STEM Education System at Four-Year Research Universities in Wisconsin: Why Undergraduate Research Education Matters

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Issues in Postsecondary STEM Education

Abstract

Women and underrepresented minorities are less likely to pursue research careers in science fields when compared to their male or racial and ethnic majority peers. Undergraduate research experiences in the sciences have had success at promoting graduate education and science careers (Hurtado, 2009, 2010; Vilajeo, 2001). However, little is known about how these experiences impact students’ persistence.
Six focus groups were conducted as a preliminary investigation for a larger study. Focus groups were analyzed perusing Krueger & Casey (2000, 3rd ed.) and Merriam (2009). Preliminary results suggest that typical research experiences for undergraduate students are narrowly perceived. Moreover, women’s values toward people and relationships may be prematurely limiting their decisions to pursue research careers in STEM, warranting further investigation.

Author

• Bárbara Y. Escobar, University of Wisconsin - Madison