Hidden Barriers: Graduate Students in STEM and Possible Obstructions to Researcher Identification

• In Event: Exploring Professional Identity Formation

Abstract

There is a general need to increase the number of STEM professionals, but the need to increase the number of individuals who pursue STEM research careers is acute. Because research careers require advanced training, a key aspect to increasing the number of STEM professionals in these areas is their graduate education experiences—specifically their relationship with research communities. Accordingly, this pilot study explores researcher identity development for STEM graduate students, with an emphasis on how important psychosocial factors (i.e., campus climate, belongingness and mentoring) may shape this outcome. The findings suggest minimal relationships between climate, belongingness and the outcome; however, the data point towards a negative association between mentoring and researcher identification. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Krystal L. Williams, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Ijaz Ahmad, None

• Jeremy A.M. Waisome, University of Florida

• Kyla McMullen, University of Florida