Supporting Science Identity for Underserved and Minoritized Undergraduate Students Through Applied Research and Experiential Learning

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Cultivating Equity and Empowerment in Environmental Education: Investigating Spaces, Identities, and Community Impact (Table 6)

Abstract

This presentation provides and overview and analysis of data from the first year of a USDA NIFA-funded experiential learning and research program which provides a range of programming to support undergraduate students, graduate students and K-12 faculty in developing research and entrepreneurial expertise in honey bee biology, beekeeping and pollinator research. The objective of the program is to use experiential learning and engaged research opportunities to cultivate professional success and leadership skills for underrepresented and minoritized environmental science and biology students. Qualitative findings from the first year’s data are presented, including influence on students’ experience of mentoring, sense of belonging and disciplinary identity, as well as lessons learned in development of partnerships to support experiential learning.

Authors

• Amelia Lynn King-Kostelac, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Emmanuella Mbajiofor, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Kelly Nash, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Ferhat Ozturk, University of Texas - San Antonio