Latina/o Representation in STEM: Insights From a Unique Research Experience for Undergraduate Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 3:35 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Equitable Science and STEM Education (Table 2)

Abstract

Latina/o individuals are underrepresented in the sciences at all levels of postsecondary education (Carpi et al., 2017; McGee & Bentley, 2017; Neally, 2022). This study presents survey results from a group of Latina/o undergraduates in a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research opportunity, which emphasized Latina/o students’ cultural and linguistic identities. Interviews and other qualitative data were examined to determine what factors impacted participants’ prior educational experiences, choice of this program, experience in the program, and future plans. Results showed that cultural identity was tied strongly with these factors, suggesting that this research experience is a good model for programming with goals of Latina/o recruitment in STEM.

Authors

• Sarah O'Leary-Driscoll, Northern Illinois University

• Corrine M. Wickens, Northern Illinois University