Perspectives and Perceived Gains Among Undergraduate, Underrepresented Minorities in a Short Summer Research Abroad Program

Dessaray M Gorbett; Benjamin C. Flores; Ariana (Ari) Arciero; Sara E. Rodriguez; Helmut Knaust

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Conference: 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Portland, Oregon
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
Start Date: June 23, 2024
End Date: July 12, 2024
Conference Session: Navigating Diversity and Equity in STEM Education
Tagged Division: Minorities in Engineering Division(MIND)
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/47843

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Paper Authors

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Dessaray M Gorbett University of Texas at El Paso

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Dessaray Gorbett is a Senior Researcher within the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program at the University of Texas at El Paso. Holding a PhD in Psychology from the same institution, she brings a wealth of expertise in program evaluation, research methodology, and statistical analyses to her role. With a specialized focus on evaluating STEM education programs within higher education, she brings extensive knowledge and experience in assessing the effectiveness and impact of these programs.

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Benjamin C. Flores University of Texas at El Paso

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Dr. Benjamin C. Flores joined the faculty of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1990 after receiving his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. He is Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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Ariana (Ari) Arciero University of Texas at El Paso

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Ms. Ariana Arciero is the Associate Director of the UT System LSAMP program and oversees the daily operation of all aspects of the state-wide Alliance. Ms. Arciero has done extensive research on STEM retention strategies and has published multiple articles focusing on these topics.

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Sara E. Rodriguez University of Texas at El Paso orcid.org/0000-0001-5211-8594

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Helmut Knaust University of Texas at El Paso

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Helmut Knaust is Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a Banach space geometer by training. His pedagogical interests include inquiry-based learning, peer-led team learning, and the use of the internet as a learning tool. In 2015 Dr. Knaust was the recipient of a Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award from the UT System. Dr. Knaust serves as co-principal investigator of NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program in the UT System, and its Bridge to the Doctorate program at UTEP.

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Abstract

Ongoing research highlights a disparity in academic achievements and progression into graduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among historically underrepresented minorities (URMs). In response to this persistent trend, many studies have underscored the significance of research experiences and mentorship in facilitating the success of STEM students from underrepresented backgrounds. Notably, scholars have underscored the synergistic effect of combining study-abroad opportunities with research experiences, leading to reported improvements in self-perceived research skills, personal growth, and the development of valuable professional connections among underrepresented minorities.

The present study aims to provide program history, lessons learned, and future directions of a research abroad activity. Programs such as this are designed with the specific goal of enriching the undergraduate experience and bolstering the attainment of associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as facilitating progression into graduate studies in STEM fields for URMs. While the number of short-term research study abroad programs has been on the rise, there remains a dearth of research exploring students' perspectives and the resulting impact on student outcomes.

Since 2014, a cohort of 8-10 students per year were chosen to participate in the summer program. Following their selection, these students were coached into securing their laboratory placements abroad. Subsequently, they embarked on a comprehensive immersion into an eight-week summer research abroad program. At the end of the program, students had the opportunity to present their research findings at an annual University of Texas system regional conference and share their adventures while exploring their host institutions and countries. Also, the participants engaged in focus group discussions and completed a survey to provide feedback on their summer experience.

In general, the feedback from these activities indicated that participants were highly satisfied with their summer research experience abroad. Students said they would have benefited from more active support earlier in preparing for an international experience, including finding housing and researching important aspects of navigating their host country. Students reported they broadened their understanding of the opportunities available to them and gained more clarity regarding their career goals after college. These career pathways included graduate studies and several types of employment possibilities. Many students were able to network in their program and build meaningful connections that would support their future goals. Students reported overall satisfaction with their experience and felt that this experience broadened their understanding of the opportunities that are available to them. In the future, the program leadership will establish relationships with foreign universities to streamline and reduce student burden when acquiring housing and a laboratory.

To enhance the overall experience, the program leadership will continue to provide ongoing coaching and weekly seminars to thoroughly prepare students for their research endeavors in new environments. Furthermore, the program is exploring opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with universities and institutions. This initiative aims to facilitate group deployments of students to specific research locations, fostering collaboration and providing enhanced support for the transitioning students during their time in the program. However, students will still pursue their own research agendas.

Citation
Format

Gorbett, D. M., & Flores, B. C., & Arciero, A. A., & Rodriguez, S. E., & Knaust, H. (2024, June), Perspectives and Perceived Gains Among Undergraduate, Underrepresented Minorities in a Short Summer Research Abroad Program Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47843

TY - CPAPER
AB - Ongoing research highlights a disparity in academic achievements and progression into graduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among historically underrepresented minorities (URMs). In response to this persistent trend, many studies have underscored the significance of research experiences and mentorship in facilitating the success of STEM students from underrepresented backgrounds. Notably, scholars have underscored the synergistic effect of combining study-abroad opportunities with research experiences, leading to reported improvements in self-perceived research skills, personal growth, and the development of valuable professional connections among underrepresented minorities.

The present study aims to provide program history, lessons learned, and future directions of a research abroad activity. Programs such as this are designed with the specific goal of enriching the undergraduate experience and bolstering the attainment of associate and bachelor&#39;s degrees, as well as facilitating progression into graduate studies in STEM fields for URMs. While the number of short-term research study abroad programs has been on the rise, there remains a dearth of research exploring students&#39; perspectives and the resulting impact on student outcomes.

Since 2014, a cohort of 8-10 students per year were chosen to participate in the summer program. Following their selection, these students were coached into securing their laboratory placements abroad. Subsequently, they embarked on a comprehensive immersion into an eight-week summer research abroad program. At the end of the program, students had the opportunity to present their research findings at an annual University of Texas system regional conference and share their adventures while exploring their host institutions and countries. Also, the participants engaged in focus group discussions and completed a survey to provide feedback on their summer experience.

In general, the feedback from these activities indicated that participants were highly satisfied with their summer research experience abroad. Students said they would have benefited from more active support earlier in preparing for an international experience, including finding housing and researching important aspects of navigating their host country. Students reported they broadened their understanding of the opportunities available to them and gained more clarity regarding their career goals after college. These career pathways included graduate studies and several types of employment possibilities. Many students were able to network in their program and build meaningful connections that would support their future goals. Students reported overall satisfaction with their experience and felt that this experience broadened their understanding of the opportunities that are available to them. In the future, the program leadership will establish relationships with foreign universities to streamline and reduce student burden when acquiring housing and a laboratory.

To enhance the overall experience, the program leadership will continue to provide ongoing coaching and weekly seminars to thoroughly prepare students for their research endeavors in new environments. Furthermore, the program is exploring opportunities to establish strategic partnerships with universities and institutions. This initiative aims to facilitate group deployments of students to specific research locations, fostering collaboration and providing enhanced support for the transitioning students during their time in the program. However, students will still pursue their own research agendas.

AU - Dessaray M Gorbett
AU - Benjamin C. Flores
AU - Ariana (Ari) Arciero
AU - Sara E. Rodriguez
AU - Helmut Knaust
CY - Portland, Oregon
DA - 2024/06/23
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - Perspectives and Perceived Gains Among Undergraduate, Underrepresented Minorities in a Short Summer Research Abroad Program
UR - https://peer.asee.org/47843
ER -