1
|
Kelp NC, Borlee GI, Mehaffy C. A Career Preparation Course for Biomedical Science Majors Focused on Skills for Diverse Career Paths. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2023; 24:00238-22. [PMID: 37089239 PMCID: PMC10117091 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00238-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Training in career preparation is vital for biomedical science, microbiology, and related life science undergraduates to know the types of careers available in the field, to obtain employment after graduation, and to be successful in these careers. This is especially critical for historically marginalized students who have lower science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) retention and lower STEM employment rates. Thus, we developed a career preparation course aimed for second- and third-year students in biomedical science, microbiology, biology, and related majors. This course introduced students to diverse careers via guest speakers and provided training and practice in key career skills, like writing CVs and cover letters. In this curriculum article, we present our course curriculum and resources, evidence of student achievement of learning objectives, and evidence that this course supported growth in constructs like science networking and confidence in future self, which are known to support student STEM retention and success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. Kelp
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Grace I. Borlee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Carolina Mehaffy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendoza-Denton R, Patt C, Carter-Sowell AR. Editorial: Diversifying the STEM fields: From individual to structural approaches. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1113227. [PMID: 36687979 PMCID: PMC9850149 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1113227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton
- Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton ✉
| | - Colette Patt
- Division of Math and Physical Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States,Colette Patt ✉
| | - Adrienne R. Carter-Sowell
- Psychology Department, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States,Adrienne R. Carter-Sowell ✉
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soares R, Santiago de Mello MC, Naegele R. Impact Assessment of an Affirmative Action to Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect in Brazilian Chemistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Chem Educ 2022; 99:513-518. [PMID: 37556273 PMCID: PMC8577355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, the institutional affirmative action "Onde elas estão?" ("Where are they?") was launched for the mitigation of gender inequality in the STEM disciplines in Brazil, coincidentally in the same period which the first reports of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in the city of Wuhan, China. Unfortunately, when evaluating the initiative through different approaches belonging to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) theories, the presence of implicit biases and the invisibility of underrepresented minorities was observed. Approximately 77.5% of the female scientists participating in the initiative were white and belonging to the wealthiest regions (75%) and with the greatest contribution to Brazil's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). On the other hand, Black, Indigenous, and Asian female chemists were not identified, nor were female chemists belonging to the North Region (Brazilian Amazon Region). The DEIR practice "Onde elas estão?" has an important role in the dissemination of highly qualified Brazilian female chemists and provides an important source of engagement and sense of community for future generations of female students to avoid abandoning STEM subjects. However, adjustments are needed that take into account greater Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Respect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Soares
- Geochemistry Program, Federal Fluminense
University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro 24020-007,
Brazil
- Environmental Institute of Rio de Janeiro
State, Rio de Janeiro 20081-312, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela Naegele
- Environmental Institute of Rio de Janeiro
State, Rio de Janeiro 20081-312, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ayoob JC, Boyce RD, Livshits S, Bruno TC, Delgoffe GM, Galson DL, Duncan AW, Atkinson JM, Oesterreich S, Evans S, Alikhani M, Baker TA, Pratt S, DeHaan KJ, Chen Y, Boone DN. Getting to YES: The Evolution of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Academy. J STEM Outreach 2022; 5:10.15695/jstem/v5i2.02. [PMID: 36910569 PMCID: PMC9997544 DOI: 10.15695/jstem/v5i2.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center Academy (Hillman Academy) has the primary goal of reaching high school students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds and guiding them through a cutting-edge research and professional development experience that positions them for success in STEM. With this focus, the Hillman Academy has provided nearly 300 authentic mentored research internship opportunities to 239 students from diverse backgrounds over the past 13 years most of whom matriculated into STEM majors in higher education. These efforts have helped shape a more diverse generation of future scientists and clinicians, who will enrich these fields with their unique perspectives and lived experiences. In this paper, we describe our program and the strategies that led to its growth into a National Institutes of Health Youth Enjoy Science-funded program including our unique multi-site structure, tiered mentoring platform, multifaceted recruitment approach, professional and academic development activities, and a special highlight of a set of projects with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. We also share student survey data from the past six years that indicate satisfaction with the program, self-perceived gains in key areas of scientific development, awareness of careers in STEM, and an increased desire to pursue advanced degrees in STEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Ayoob
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Computational and Systems Biology
| | - Richard D Boyce
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Solomon Livshits
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Immunology (Tumor Microenvironment Center and Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program).,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Greg M Delgoffe
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Immunology (Tumor Microenvironment Center and Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program).,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Deborah L Galson
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Division of Hematology/Oncology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine).,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Andrew W Duncan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pathology (McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine).,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Bioengineering.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Jennifer M Atkinson
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology.,Women's Cancer Research Center, Magee Women's Research Institute.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology.,Women's Cancer Research Center, Magee Women's Research Institute.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| | - Steve Evans
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Surgery
| | - Malihe Alikhani
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Computing and Information, Department of Computer Science
| | - Tobias A Baker
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Sheila Pratt
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Communication Science and Disorders
| | | | - Yuanyuan Chen
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology
| | - David N Boone
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ellison AM, Barker Plotkin AA, Patel MV, Record S. Broadening the ecological mindset. Ecol Appl 2021; 31:e02347. [PMID: 34181285 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology (HF-SRPE) has been at the forefront of expanding the ecological tent for minoritized or otherwise marginalized students. By broadening the definition of ecology to include fields such as data science, software engineering, and remote sensing, we attract a broader range of students, including those who may not prioritize field experiences or who may feel unsafe working in rural or urban field sites. We also work towards a more resilient society in which minoritized or marginalized students can work safely, in part by building teams of students and mentors. Teams collaborate on projects that require a diversity of approaches and create opportunities for students and mentors alike to support one another and share leadership. Finally, HF-SRPE promotes an expanded view of what it means to become an ecologist. We value and support diverse career paths for ecologists to work in all parts of society, to diversify the face of ecology, and to bring different perspectives together to ensure innovations in environmental problem solving for our planet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Ellison
- Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Petersham, Massachusetts, 01366, USA
- Sound Solutions for Sustainable Science, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135, USA
| | | | - Manisha V Patel
- Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Petersham, Massachusetts, 01366, USA
- Sound Solutions for Sustainable Science, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135, USA
| | - Sydne Record
- Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Petersham, Massachusetts, 01366, USA
- Department of Biology, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 19010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diekman AB, Steinberg M, Brown ER, Belanger AL, Clark EK. A Goal Congruity Model of Role Entry, Engagement, and Exit: Understanding Communal Goal Processes in STEM Gender Gaps. Pers Soc Psychol Rev 2016; 21:142-175. [PMID: 27052431 DOI: 10.1177/1088868316642141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The goal congruity perspective provides a theoretical framework to understand how motivational processes influence and are influenced by social roles. In particular, we invoke this framework to understand communal goal processes as proximal motivators of decisions to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). STEM fields are not perceived as affording communal opportunities to work with or help others, and understanding these perceived goal affordances can inform knowledge about differences between (a) STEM and other career pathways and (b) women's and men's choices. We review the patterning of gender disparities in STEM that leads to a focus on communal goal congruity (Part I), provide evidence for the foundational logic of the perspective (Part II), and explore the implications for research and policy (Part III). Understanding and transmitting the opportunities for communal goal pursuit within STEM can reap widespread benefits for broadening and deepening participation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Thoman DB, Brown ER, Mason AZ, Harmsen AG, Smith JL. The Role of Altruistic Values in Motivating Underrepresented Minority Students for Biomedicine. Bioscience 2014; 65:183-188. [PMID: 26834259 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biu199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cultural values influence undergraduate students' science research experiences and career interest is important in efforts to broaden participation and to diversify the biomedical research workforce. The results from our prospective longitudinal study demonstrated that underrepresented minority student (URM) research assistants who see the altruistic value of conducting biomedical research feel more psychologically involved with their research over time, which, in turn, enhances their interest in pursuing a scientific research career. These altruistic motives are uniquely influential to URM students and appear to play an important role in influencing their interest in scientific research careers. Furthermore, seeing how research can potentially affect society and help one's community does not replace typical motives for scientific discovery (e.g., passion, curiosity, achievement), which are important for all students. These findings point to simple strategies for educators, training directors, and faculty mentors to improve retention among undergraduate URM students in biomedicine and the related sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin B Thoman
- Department of Psychology at California State University, in Long Beach
| | | | - Andrew Z Mason
- Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, in Long Beach
| | - Allen G Harmsen
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Montana State University, in Bozeman
| | - Jessi L Smith
- Department of Psychology at Montana State University, in Bozeman
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schultz PW, Hernandez PR, Woodcock A, Estrada M, Chance RC, Aguilar M, Serpe RT. Patching the Pipeline: Reducing Educational Disparities in the Sciences Through Minority Training Programs. Educ Eval Policy Anal 2011; 33:10.3102/0162373710392371. [PMID: 24285910 PMCID: PMC3839574 DOI: 10.3102/0162373710392371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
For more than 40 years, there has been a concerted national effort to promote diversity among the scientific research community. Yet given the persistent national-level disparity in educational achievements of students from various ethnic and racial groups, the efficacy of these programs has come into question. The current study reports results from a longitudinal study of students supported by a national National Institutes of Health-funded minority training program, and a propensity score matched control. Growth curve analyses using Hierarchical Linear Modeling show that students supported by Research Initiative for Science Excellence were more likely to persist in their intentions to pursue a scientific research career. In addition, growth curve analyses indicate that undergraduate research experience, but not having a mentor, predicted student persistence in science.
Collapse
|
9
|
Schultz PW, Hernandez PR, Woodcock A, Estrada M, Chance RC, Aguilar M, Serpe RT. Patching the Pipeline: Reducing Educational Disparities in the Sciences Through Minority Training Programs. Educ Eval Policy Anal 2011; 33. [PMID: 24285910 DOI: 10.3102/
0162373710392371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
For more than 40 years, there has been a concerted national effort to promote diversity among the scientific research community. Yet given the persistent national-level disparity in educational achievements of students from various ethnic and racial groups, the efficacy of these programs has come into question. The current study reports results from a longitudinal study of students supported by a national National Institutes of Health-funded minority training program, and a propensity score matched control. Growth curve analyses using Hierarchical Linear Modeling show that students supported by Research Initiative for Science Excellence were more likely to persist in their intentions to pursue a scientific research career. In addition, growth curve analyses indicate that undergraduate research experience, but not having a mentor, predicted student persistence in science.
Collapse
|