Would You Call Yourself a Scientist? Exploring STEM Identity Development Among Undergraduate Students Attending Public Research Universities

• In Event: The Changing Face of STEM: Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Abstract

The preparation of workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a growing concern. The talent pool for STEM fields is increasingly comprised of students who are currently least likely to pursue and persist in STEM education. Research points to identity development as a key factor in shaping positive postsecondary experiences for students, particularly among traditionally underrepresented students. The paper presents an examination of science identity among undergraduate STEM majors at large, public, research universities. Results find that while most students do not claim a science identity, they present forms of identity closely related to the STEM profession.

Authors

• Lorenzo DuBois Baber, University of Illinois

• Montrischa Money Williams, American Institutes for Research

• William T. Trent, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign