Co-Creating a Queer STEM Counterspace: “Finding a New Love of Research . . . Centering Identity, Subverting Objectivity”

• In Event: Building Inclusive STEM Communities: Equity, Belonging, and Advocacy for Underrepresented Students

Abstract

Undergraduate research experiences often help mitigate inequities in STEM education. However, the climate of the experience is important for queer students to have positive outcomes. We co-created an interdisciplinary STEM research experience for queer students and studied our experiences building and being in this space through a collaborative autoethnography. We used counterspace theory as our analytic and interpretive lens, analyzing our experiences by salient elements that supported counterspace processes. We identified four cross-cutting themes: interpersonal relationships, shared lived experiences, meaningful contributions, and (countering the) hierarchy of expertise. Our work demonstrates our successful co-construction of a queer-embracing research experience that supported learning and belonging in STEM, countering common facets of research experiences and chilly STEM climates that can fail queer students.

Authors

• Aramati Casper, Colorado State University

• Sam Ahler, University of Colorado - Boulder

• March E., Colorado State University

• A Gutierrez, Colorado State University

• Tom Schlechter, Colorado State University

• O Turner, Colorado State University

• Sarah L. Eddy, University of Minnesota