Examining the Differential Impact of a Nanotechnology Research Experience on Minority and Nonminority Students

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: (En)gendering Experience in STEM: Examining Girls and Minoritization in the Sciences

Abstract

This study reports on the implementation of an NSF-funded, research experience aimed at promoting high school students’ interest in nanotechnology careers. Data show an overall significant increase in student interest in nanotechnology. However, when controlling for students’ race, African American students’ interest shows no increase, whereas non-African American students do. This investigation sought to unpack how the research experience was differentially received by African American students as compared to their non-African American peers, and how that differential reception lead to the disparate attitudes towards nanotechnology. Findings reveal fours ways that interactions and positionalities shape racially disparate experiences. We have organized these into four themes: (a) researcher-student interactions, (b) student prior experience, (c) student motivation, and (d) research space.

Authors

• Jomo W. Mutegi, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Brandon Sorge, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Eric Nunnally, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Grant Alan Fore, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Gina Gibau, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Mangilal Agarwal

• Daniel E. Minner