| Affiliations: | Aggie Research Mentoring Program |
| Project Leader: | Samantha Aguilar samdyanne@tamu.edu Educational Psychology |
| Faculty Mentor:= | Jeffrey Liew, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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T/F: 11am – noon (lab shifts would be T/F 11am – 2pm) |
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Team Size:
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3 |
| Open Spots: | 3 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Professional development; graduate school application support; conference presentation co-authorship; ability to learn qualitative and quantitative data methods; networking with graduate students and faculty in educational psychology.
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Team Needs:
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Interest in Latine/o/a/x and/or racial and gender issues; ability to meet twice a week on campus for 3 hours at a time (6 hour commitment); comfortable writing and using critical thinking skills |
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Description:
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Diversifying STEM in the U.S. is critically important, as outlined by the National Science Foundation’s 2024 strategic plan to ensure accessibility and inclusivity by increasing the involvement of underrepresented communities. With Latinos being the fastest-growing ethnic minority group in U.S. colleges, their increased participation could significantly impact STEM degree productivity and foster diversity within the scientific workforce. However, there exists a disconnect between traditional STEM values and documented Latino values, posing challenges for Latino students to establish a robust STEM identity while maintaining their ethnic identity. My research delves into how developmental-relevant identity domains can bolster students’ engagement in higher education. STEM identity, crucial for future success and persistence in STEM, is not only a personal attribute but also indicative of broader outcomes. Similarly, ethnic identity serves as a protective factor against discrimination and enhances academic and psychological well-being in ethnic-racial minority college students. By exploring the intersection of STEM and ethnic identity, my research aims to foster inclusive learning environments where all students feel recognized, engaged, and validated. |