Familia, Redes, y Research: Social Networks in the Research Journeys of First-Generation Latinx STEM Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Latinx Graduate Pathways in STEM and Beyond: Mapping Belonging, Capital, and Cultural Persistence

Abstract

Participation in undergraduate research programs is critical for advancement to graduate school. This mixed-methods study examines 38 Latinx first-generation STEM undergraduates social networks to enter research programs and their research experiences in aHispanic-Serving Research Intensive University (HSRI). A critical approach is applied by mixing a sociosurvey, followed by platicas methodology to discuss the research process from the Latinx student’s perspective, which is inclusive of academic social networks and non-academic social networks, such as family, siblings and friends social networks. Findings reveal Latinx students are applying to research opportunities in their fourth year, Latinx students have different sizes of social networks and the inclusion of familial experiences as a motivation to conduct research with Latinx communities.

Authors

• Katherine Arias Garcia, University of California - Irvine

• Gustavo Orosco, Yale University