Utilizing Intentionality to Increase STEM Identity for Historically Excluded Students in Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Program Abstract: The Collaborative Approaches among Scientists and Engineers Research Experience for Undergraduates explores innovative approaches to multidisciplinary research problems which also allows for the participation of a critical mass of students from groups historically excluded in STEM. Students work on projects led by teams of 2 faculty mentors from 2 distinct disciplines in the sciences or engineering. Through these interactions, students gain experience in understanding how disciplines work together to approach problem-solving and how to apply skills from their disciplines in novel ways. The program also focuses on the needs of these students as developing scholars through professional development workshops which help improve sense of belonging and self-efficacy. Additionally, faculty and graduate student mentors’ professional development enhances their skills of intentionally fostering effective mentor-mentee relationships by increasing cultural competency. The research findings from this work can be transformational for mentoring historically excluded students in STEM in academia, governmental and national laboratories.