BUILDing STEM Futures: The Role of Undergraduate Research and Mentorship in Developing Graduate Degree Aspirations

• In Event: Mentoring and belonging in student educational journeys

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the NIH-funded BUILD initiative on STEM undergraduates’ aspirations for graduate study. Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory and longitudinal data from 11 institutions, we use a quasi-experimental design with propensity score weighting to compare BUILD participants to a matched control group. Results show that BUILD participants reported significantly stronger intentions to pursue STEM graduate degrees than their peers in the matched control group. Findings demonstrate the importance of structured research and mentorship experiences in shaping post-college academic goals and advancing equity in STEM pathways. As equity-focused initiatives face funding threats, this study offers timely evidence to campus leaders about the value of sustained investment in undergraduate interventions designed to diversify the future scientific workforce.

Authors

• Kevin Eagan, University of California - Los Angeles

• Shuhan Ai, University of California - Los Angeles