Mapping the STEM Identity Journey: Insights From Alumni and Faculty in STEM Pathway Programs (Poster 6)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 3:05 pm
  In Poster Session: Perspectives on Learning and Development: Exploring Motivations, Cognition, and Contextual Factors

Abstract

Using interviews with alumni participants and faculty leaders of STEM pathway programs at a public and private university, this work explores and compares how each interviewee conceptualizes such programs as shaping STEM identity formation for underrepresented students. For four randomly sampled interview cases, epistemic network analysis helped to highlight differences between participant and leader perspectives and suggests possible differences by school. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to shed light on the impact of these programs on identity exploration and STEM engagement. By leveraging quantitative ethnographic approaches, we hope this research will pave the way for a deeper understanding of programmatic outcomes from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, encouraging evidence-based improvements to support underrepresented students' journeys in STEM.

Authors

• Mutuma Ichaba, Drexel University

• Amanda Barany, University of Pennsylvania

• Aroutis N. Foster, Drexel University