Factors That Influence Female African American Students' Science Identities During Childhood and Adolescence

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: "But Some of Us Are Brave": Educational Narratives of Black Girls and Women

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to identify factors during childhood and adolescence that influenced minority females’ pursuit of post-secondary science degrees. This narrative case study included retrospective interviews and observations of two female, African American undergraduate students pursuing degrees in environmental science. Qualitative analysis of the data based on an anti-deficit framework revealed four themes for influential factors, including personal attributes, school experiences, supportive networks, and sense of belonging. One important implication of the research was the impact of teachers noticing students. The opportunities and experiences of both participants could be attributed significantly to teacher encouragement, expectations, and guidance.

Author

• Teresa Leavens, North Carolina State University