The Forgotten Scholar: Professional Development for Minority Postdocs in STEM

• In Event: 69.020 - Research About Underrepresented Groups in Engineering and Computer Science Education

Abstract

This study examined the goals of underrepresented minority (URM) postdoctoral students in STEM and their growth in self-efficacy after attending a two-day professional development workshop that prepares them for a career in academia. The United States URM population is 28.5 percent of the total, yet less than eight percent of United States’ research faculty in science and engineering are URMs (NRC, 2011). Many postdocs matriculate into faculty positions, yet postdocs need skills training that prepare them to become professionals in academia (Nerad & Cerny, 1999). Findings suggest that URM postdocs are efficacious in establishing research, yet lack the confidence and knowledge to secure funding for research. ANOVA show perception of growth in various abilities after attending the workshop.

Authors

• Christopher Seals, Michigan State University

• Quintana Clark, Purdue University

• Aman Yadav, Michigan State University

• Kathy Garza Dixon, Purdue University

• Cristina Soto, Purdue University

• Nancy Schwartz, University of Chicago