Preparing Our Future STEM Workforce

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable 22
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 3: Graduate and Postdoctoral Education Across the Disciplines SIG

Abstract

Studies on summer research programs demonstrate that participation in summer programs have a significant and positive impact on graduate school student preparedness and persistence. Previous research finds that summer research programs are associated with a broad series of desirable outcomes, including improved graduate school mentorship relationships, persistence, research skills, and sense of belonging. This project combines statistical analysis and qualitative research to identify students’ perceived barriers to graduate school success. We examined how participating in the SRP affects students’ perceptions of preparedness and self-efficacy. Results indicate a positive relationship between graduate school preparedness and participation in SRPs. Our findings point to the importance of SRPs as a pathway for student preparedness, persistence, and success through graduate school.

Authors

• Brittni R Echols, Purdue University

• Quintana M. Clark, Purdue University

• Kathy Garza Dixon, Purdue University

• Fernando Tormos, Purdue University