Navigating a Path Forward: A Case Study Exploration of Social Identity and STEM Career Thinking

• In Event: 28.091 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Two - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 28.091-1 - Pathways to Equity in STEM: Considering the Role of Identity

Abstract

Increasing the participation of underrepresented populations in STEM is an issue of national concern. Although women, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives, attain STEM degrees at higher rates than in the past, they remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce. In our study, we employed a case study approach to understand how two underrepresented STEM-interested students made career decisions based on their evolving social identities while in college. Our findings suggest ways that students' changing understandings of their social identities, and the environments in which they are situated, can serve to enhance or diminish their interest in a STEM career. Further, our study points to opportunities for developing more inclusive, engaging STEM education environments to better facilitate student persistence.

Authors

• Erika Mosyjowski, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Selyna Beverly, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Christina S. Morton, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Katie Shoemaker, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Trevion S. Henderson, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Lisa R. Lattuca, University of Michigan