Studying Latina/o Undergraduates' Participation in an Immersive Science Research Experience

• In Event: Research on Undergraduate Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Latina/o individuals are underrepresented in the sciences at all levels of postsecondary education (Carpi et al., 2017; McGee & Bentley, 2017; Neally, 2022). This study presents survey results from a group of Latina/o undergraduates in a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research opportunity, which emphasized Latina/o students’ cultural and linguistic identities. Pre and post surveys examined students’ self-perception regarding their comfort using and evaluating scientific literature, scientific processes, and scientific communication. Results demonstrated significant difference for all except participants’ future plans in STEM, which solidified their initial interest in the field going into the program.

Authors

• Sarah O'Leary-Driscoll, Northern Illinois University

• Cindy Salas, Northern Illinois University

• Corrine M. Wickens, Northern Illinois University