The Socialization of STEM Postdoctoral Fellows at an Environmental Science Institute: an Interpretive Case Study

• In Event: Networks and Support Systems in Higher Education

Abstract

There is very limited research that examines the relationship between socialization, academic identity, and commitment to academic careers among STEM postdoctoral scholars. This interpretive case study of socialization among 10 postdoctoral scholars affiliated with an environmental science institute foregrounds the role of faculty mentoring in socialization into academic roles and commitment to academic careers. Three primary themes emerged from the interviews: the increased agency within the postdoctoral role, the transition from mentee to mentor, and the negotiation of external constraints on commitment to academic careers. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Alexios Rosario-Moore, Northern Illinois University

• Steven McGee, The Learning Partnership