Exploring Student Service Member and Veteran Belonging in STEMM Fields: A Mixed-Methods Social Network Analysis

• In Event: The Role of Sense of Belonging and Mattering in College

Abstract

Analysts contend that the U.S. science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) workforce suffers from a training and diversity shortage. Though reforms aim to improve STEMM university persistence in response, little research investigates STEMM participation among student military service members and veterans (SSM/V), a growing student population with the potential to expand and strengthen the scientific workforce. With preliminary research indicating SSM/V university experiences improve with strong social support, this study explores links between STEMM SSM/V social networks and feelings of campus belonging shown to be important to collegiate success. While statistical findings suggest larger networks with more students and educators—but fewer veterans—correlate with belonging, interviewees indicate that belonging often comes through student friendships and campus veteran support.

Authors

• Ross J. Benbow, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Yougeon Lee, University of Wisconsin - Madison