High-Achieving Women of Color Transfer Students in the STEM Pipeline

• In Event: 58.083 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 58.083-20 - Research on Women and STEM

Abstract

By investigating current experiences and insights of women of color transfer students in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline program, this study aims to investigate the social interactions that these students experience with peers and professors in a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) in Los Angeles. This work hopes to understand the role such interactions may play in students’ STEM persistence and how to address underrepresentation in the field. Participant observation, in-depth semi-structured interviews with individual subjects, and a focus group with three participants have been conducted. Preliminary qualitative codes include resources and support systems being utilized in transition from community college to the MSI, social dynamics between participant and peers (including graduate students) and mentors in research labs, etc.

Author

• Melo-Jean Yap, University of California - Los Angeles