Creating More Inclusive Research Environments for Undergraduates

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Influences of College Environment on Student Belonging and Success

Abstract

Although there are numerous evidence-based benefits to undergraduate research (UR) and efforts to diversify participation, new-majority students (students who are from a traditionally underrepresented ethnicity, first-generation college students, students from lower-income families, and transfer students) are still less likely to participate or stay in mentored research experiences. In order to determine who has access to undergraduate research and what barriers to full inclusion exist for new-majority students, we conducted a mixed methods study and found barriers presented in the following areas: access to research opportunities, programmatic structures, research culture and norms, and campus climate. Here we present these findings along with strategies for creating more inclusive research environments.

Authors

• Heather Haeger, University of Arizona

• Corin White, California State University - Monterey Bay

• Shantel Martinez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Monique Armstrong-Land, California State University - Monterey Bay

• Camille Smith, California State University - Monterey Bay