2014 STEM & EDUCATION

University/Organization
Northeastern State University

Title
A Modular Approach to Teaching Mobile APPS Development

Synopsis
To better relate mobile applications development to other topics from computer science and adapt to the continuous evolution in the mobile development environment, apps development course content is organized as a model consisting of five modules. Throughout these modules, mobile apps development is treated as an integral part of the computer science curriculum.

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University/Organization
South Dakota

Title
The Importance of Place, Culture, and Trust in Sustainable Engineering Education

Synopsis
In both sustainable engineering design and engineering education, enduring solutions must incorporate place, culture, and trust. This paper describes a project that aims to both advance sustainable engineering design practice and engineering education within the Oglala Lakota Tribal Community through a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Pre-Engineering Education Collaborative program developed between mainstream universities and a tribal college in South Dakota.

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University/Organization
Binghamton University

Title
Assessing the Reliability of Microelectronics Interconnects

Synopsis
The industry relies heavily on so-called ‘engineering tests’ in which representative test vehicles are compared to each other or general specs without specific reference to life in service. This presentation will offer an overview and discussion of why such tests may often be misleading and the associated mechanistic understanding will be outlined.

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University/Organization
Western Kentucky University

Title
Inquiry-Based 5E Lesson in a High School Geometry Classroom: The Rediscovery and Applications of the Golden Ratio

Synopsis
The 5E inquiry model of instruction is a constructivist teaching methodology that allows students to develop their own pathways to understanding of novel concepts. In this lesson, high school geometry students explore the golden ratio of phi. Students discover and derive the golden ratio through a guided inquiry activity. This methodology allows students to become immersed in the subject matter while creating their own explanations of mathematical concepts.

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University/Organization
Chicago State University

Title
Culturally Competent Administrators

Synopsis
In a rapidly diverse changing society where over 42% of our nation’s students are students of color, it is urgent that school administrators are skilled and trained to work effectively with culturally diverse students and their families.

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University/Organization
University of Colorado Denver

Title
A Semiconductor Device Simulator Utilizing MATLAB

Synopsis
A device simulator that is functional and modular in nature is developed using MATLAB to allow for flexibility during programming and to allow for future development with relative ease. The program’s main goal is to provide a tool that can supplement device modeling and to construct basic semiconductor equations using MATLAB tools. MATLAB’s capability and inherent nature of handling matrices and matrix operations makes this approach an excellent technique for device modeling

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University/Organization
University of Arizona

Title I
A New Solution for the 1D Radiative Transfer Equation

Synopsis
A new solution to the angularly discretized radiative transfer equation in a 1D slab medium with anisotropic scattering has been proposed. While similar to other solutions involving linear algebra, the proposed solution avoids instability caused by stiffness by expressing the complimentary part in terms of the hyperbolic sinh rather than simple exponentials. The effectiveness of this solution to produce extreme benchmark quality reflectances and transmittances with Wynn-epsilon convergence acceleration is demonstrated.

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Title II
The Fourier Transform Solution for the Green’s Function of Monoenergetic Neutron Transport Theory

Synopsis
Nearly 65 years ago, Ken Case published his seminal paper on the singular eigenfunction solution for the Green’s function of the monoenergetic neutron transport equation with isotropic scattering. Previously, the solution had been obtained by Fourier transform. While it is apparent the two had to be equivalent, a convincing equivalence proof for general anisotropic scattering remained a challenge until now.

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University/Organization
Presbyterian College

Title
Successfully Flipping a Mathematics Classroom

Synopsis
This paper addresses the successful results of a flipped classroom for general education college students most resistant to mathematics. It reviews student performance and satisfaction and explains various pedagogical strategies such as small group work and monitoring student engagement. Challenges of a flipped classroom are examined including formatting the on-line presentations, insuring that students view them, and the limits of classroom interaction.

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University/Organization
The City College of New York, LaGuardia Community College, Hostos Community College

Title
A New Continuous Learning Environment Model to Improve Students’ Skills and Professionals in STEM Fields

Synopsis

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University/Organization
University of Southern California

Title
Practical Tips for Teaching English Vowels to Chinese Speakers

Synopsis
This poster session will give practical tips for ESL teachers to present North American English vowels to speakers of Chinese (and other languages). Points will include a comparison of notation systems, variations caused by vowel shift and r-coloring, clarification of confusing terminology, and recommendations for avoiding the influence of tone in instruction.

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University/Organization
Xavier University of Louisiana

Title
Producing Highly Qualified Mathematics and Science Teachers Through an MAT Program at a Historically Black College in the United States

Synopsis
Xavier University of Louisiana, a Historically Black College, offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree for mathematics and science graduates to obtain teacher certification. This presentation will share with the audience the curriculum, strategies used to recruit and maintain qualified mathematics and science graduates, and success of the program thus far. The discussion will involve the various methods of funding the program and professional development used for the candidates.

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University/Organization
Thammasat University, Thailand.

Title
Quality Assessment of New Graduates of Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University]

Synopsis
The objectives of this project were to study job seeking status, working status, job satisfaction and the ability to apply the academic knowledge to the job of new graduates from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University.

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University/Organization
Kennesaw State University

Title
Augmented Reality (AR) Design Research for Connecting Print and Interactive Media in Graphic Design Education

Synopsis
Augmented Reality (AR) apps put the print publication and digital media together. The interactive prints with AR let the readers enjoy traditional reading experiences and explore interactive adventures. AR design research in graphic design education lets students prepared for their professional practices in the industry of interactive prints with Augmented Reality.

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University/Organization
Fairmont State University

Title
Creating Economies of Scale for Economic Growth: A Panacea for West Virginia’s Economic Growth

Synopsis
Industrial revolution laid foundation for the current scope of economies of scale and world urban growth which are intertwined with productivity and profits. West Virginia with declining population and lack of job opportunities has yet to take advantages of this mechanism. This proposal examines how economies of scale can be achieved in the state of West Virginia to create economic growth in the context of regional urban planning.

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University/Organization
University of Illinois at Chicago

Title
A Novel Polymorphic AluYb8 Insertion in 8q24 is Associated with Prostate Cancer in African Americans

Synopsis
Our research study is primarily focused on how a polymorphic alu repeat on chromosome 8q24 is associated with prostate cancer risk in African Americans. We used molecular biology techniques to study this topic.

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University/Organization
Robert Morris University

Title
Living-Learning Community in Support of STEM Education

Synopsis
The major goal of the project was to provide scholarships and academic support to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), who then entered graduate STEM programs or joined the workforce in STEM fields. This presentation was possible because of an NSF (National Science Foundation) S-STEM Scholarship grant awarded to Robert Morris University (RMU) in 2008, # 0806927.

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University/Organization
University of Illinois Springfield

Title
Assessing Learning in Advising: Utilizing Institutional Goals to Measure Learning Outcomes

Synopsis
This paper describes how learning outcomes were assessed following participation in a six-module advising model employing structured learning experiences for entering students at a Midwest public university. Institutional measures of academic performance and retention were examined relative to the number of modules completed. The results support incorporation of institutional goals to assess learning in advising.

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University/Organization
Clemson University

Title
Emphasizing Core Calculus Concepts Using Biomedical Applications to Engage, Mentor and Retain STEM Students

Synopsis
This project provides a series of for-credit, applied learning modules that are given in parallel to the freshman and sophomore calculus courses. The modules are developed and led by faculty members. The proposed modules emphasizes mathematics and statistics relevant to four biomedical research areas 1) orthopaedics,2) infectious diseases, 3) heat propagation in the human body, 4) mammography and radiology. Students participate in field trips to visit facilities and labs related to their module.

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University/Organization
Weber State University

Title
VEGILAB and Aquaponics Indoor Growing System

Synopsis
A senior project team of six students designed and fabricated an indoor growing system that is a combination of VEGILAB and Aquaponics technologies for a Japanese company, Horimasa International Co., Ltd.

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University/Organization
Adelphi University

Title
PISA Functional Literacy as Represented in Taiwanese Mathematics Textbooks

Synopsis
PISA’s “Functional Literacy” emphasizes the theoretical concept of mathematics as a human activity. From this pedagogical point of arrival, the “The mathematization cycle” serves as an instructional cycle which is a crucial feature in PISA’s designed assessment. This study was focused on the content and design of Taiwanese mathematics textbook problems for secondary school.

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University/Organization
Yonsei University

Title
Is Freshman Advising Seminar Evolutionary?

Synopsis
First year seminar is regarded as an logical and effective strategy for group advising. Yonsei University, a four year private university with over 4,000 freshmen, is offering freshman advising seminar, Yonsei RC 101, as compulsory course for all freshmen. This course was originated from pre-enrollment program for early admitted students, gradually has been developed to this status quo. Its evolutionary process and topics covered will be shared with the audience, who are interested in utilizing the freshman advising seminar as valuable avenue for group advising for freshman.

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University/Organization
Stanford University

Title
Latina Graduate Students’ Experiences in STEM

Synopsis
This study provides an in-depth understanding of the risk and protective factors that ten Latina graduate students encountered in their STEM programs at a selective university. Risk factors included unsupportive professors and experiencing microaggressions. Protective factors included having a positive academic socialization experience and having a network of supportive mentors. These results may inform the creation of stronger interventions for underrepresented students in STEM fields.

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University/Organization
Marymount Manhattan College

Title
Increasing Student Motivation and Performance through Inquiry Based Learning with STELLA Systems Thinking and Simulation Software

Synopsis
The effect of Collaborative Project Based Learning (CPBL) on student performance and motivation in undergraduate mathematical modeling classes is investigated. The inquiry based collaborative learning strategies that incorporate The American Museum of Natural History as a Learning Laboratory and the STELLA Systems Thinking software are introduced.

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University/Organization
University of California, Berkeley, California Youth Connection, Los Angeles

Title
Ensuring Successful Educational Outcomes for Foster Youth in Higher Education

Synopsis
Foster youth are among the most underrepresented student populations on college campuses. Nationwide, it is estimated only 1-3% of foster youth graduate from college. Why is this so? In this panel presentation, attendees will learn causes of this abysmal statistic and how their campuses can best serve foster youth to ensure better educational outcomes. Best practices for advising and counseling foster youth, impact of college support programs, importance of collaboration in delivering services, and strategies for positive student development and engagement will be discussed.

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University/Organization
The City College of New York

Title
A National Model for Increasing the Number of Minority Graduates in Environmental Sustainability

Synopsis
The City College of New York in collaboration with the US Department of Education developed and implemented a graduate program to support and train graduate students in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (ESES) fields. The ESES Graduate Initiative aims to increase the quality of the graduate experience through updated curriculums and exposure to cutting edge research projects in ESES fields.

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University/Organization
University of Hawaii

Title
Augmenting Large-enrollment Instruction With Game-based Mechanics

Synopsis
Gamification is the application of game mechanics and elements in non-game contexts to engage and motivate users. A case study was conducted on a large-enrollment introductory computer science course that applied game mechanics in instruction. This paper details the setup, implementation, and outcomes of the study.

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University/Organization
Purdue University at Fort Wayne

Title I
The Anti-derivative of ex²

Synopsis
The base function ex² is used in a variety of statistical analysis applications primarily in the realm of normal distribution. Calculations are performed with great precision, strange to say, none uses the anti-derivative . This paper will introduce the anti-derivative of the function analytically and for the first time along with proof and examples .

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Title II
The Array of Remainders

Synopsis
Remainders of successive division by a given divisor are organized in a particular order and placed in a matrix. The matrix thus formed will bear thought-provoking and useful applications in number theory which will be revealed in length in this paper.

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University/Organization
Texas Woman’s University

Title
How Can Topology and GIS Enhance the Study of Asian Green Mussel (Perna viridis)?

Synopsis
How can topology and geographical information systems enhance the study of Asian green mussel (Perna viridis)? In this paper, the author explains the application of basic topological rules in enhancing geodatabases applied to oceanographic studies.

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University/Organization
Yonsei University

Title
Implementation of Student Advising for Freshmen Year in Residential College

Synopsis
In 2014, all students spend their freshman year in the Residential College of Yonsei University at International Campus. The Residential College consists of 12 houses with a total of 4,000 students. The college of freshmen performs the triple advising to support for all students and a widely emulated model of advising excellence, while students are planning their college life through e-portfolio system.

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University/Organization
Whittier College, California

Title
Precursors of Professionalism of Graduating Business Students: Implications for Business Education and the Profession

Synopsis
Business education may need an overhaul when it comes to training students to become socially responsible managers and professionals, evidenced by the prevalence of questionable practices of corporate agents trained by the present educational system. In this regard, this study relies on frameworks of professionalism as defined by other scholars (Brint, 1996; Freidson, 2001; Imse, 1962) to examine the values and attitudes of business students as they graduate and join their profession.

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University/Organization
Texas A&M University

Title
Increasing Calculus II Success with a Bridging Program

Synopsis
It is well known that success in any mathematics course is very dependent upon a high degree of success in prerequisite courses. STEM majors generally require a sequence of mathematics courses, and grades tend to drift downward throughout the sequence of courses. The mathematics department at Texas A&M University launched a one-week Bridge Program to improve calculus skills for students who earned a B or C in Calculus I in order to better prepare them for success in Calculus II. 122 students participated at least 25 minutes, and 41 completed the survey at the midpoint of the Calculus II the following semester. Students participated online with headsets to interact with a live tutor for 3 hours per day for 5 days in a mini session between the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters. Students who completed the survey (n = 41) felt better prepared for Calculus II.

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University/Organization
Columbia College Chicago

Title I
Dynamic Cinema Soundtrack

Synopsis
Our College offers a Weeks of Welcome celebration for incoming first-year students. To help enlighten our first-time Cinema students to the nature and nuance of cinema sound, I host a two-hour interactive workshop – Dynamic Cinema Soundtrack. Conference presentation includes video clips.

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Title II
Planet Under Pressure

Synopsis
The space between Earth’s surface and the ionosphere forms a giant resonator – the Schumann Resonance Cavity. Global lightning activity creates standing waves within this resonator at a fundamental frequency of 7.83 Hz. What is the effect of industrialized noise pollution in this resonator? Does it damage the Earth?

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University/Organization
University of Central Arkansas

Title I
Engaging Students Through Real-Life Mathematics: Police Station Problem

Synopsis
When a city wants to build a new police station, the question that needs to be asked is where the best location to minimize the response time to a call when one comes in. This is the question that we will answer using a technique called method of random search. By analyzing the district breakdown of the city, the frequency of calls to each district, and the gridding of the city, we can answer that burning question, and begin to see how teaching secondary mathematics can be more meaningful, more engaging, and ultimately, more real.

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Title
STEM: Charting the Weather

Synopsis
Thirty teachers participated in a professional development course that integrated science, mathematics, literacy, and technology for elementary/middle level teachers. Using one of the lessons pertaining to weather, the speaker will share a fourth grade teacher’s implementation of the project with his students as well as several of the students’ power point presentations.

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University/Organization
University of California, Merced

Title
Interact with Spanish-speaking Community Through Creative Project Developed in Small Groups Enhance Medical Spanish Learning.

Synopsis
During the presentation I will share my experience that how since 2006, the students have enjoyed learning medical Spanish by creating projects in which they apply course material to “real life” situations and share important health information with the Spanish-speaking community in Merced, Atwater and Planada which allows them to have a significant learning experience.

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University/Organization
Australian National University

Title
The Tail Functions Approach to Confidence Estimation

Synopsis
This paper reviews the method of tail functions (TFs) for constructing confidence intervals (CIs). The idea is to generalize the constant cutoffs (e.g. 0.025 and 0.975) in the definition of a CI to functions of the target parameter. The ordinary 2- and 1-sided CIs are defined by the constant TFs 1/2, 0 and 1. Under prior information, the TFs approach is an alternative to the Bayesian and can lead to improved CIs, whilst retaining frequentist coverage probabilities.

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University/Organization
Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York

Title
Citizen Science: Inquiry Based Learning in the Core Curriculum to Advance College Science Literacy

Synopsis
To develop scientific literacy in our students, Citizen Science was added to Bard College’s common curriculum. During this, all first year students participate in scientific inquiry. Students take part in problem-based learning, laboratory experimentation, and computing activities. Varied strategies are used to develop students’ abilities to critically evaluate scientific evidence, and recognize strengths and limitations of common tools. Student outcomes from years 1-4 will be discussed.

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University/Organization
Drake University

Title
Collaborative Study Groups for World Language Educators

Synopsis
The teacher study group (TSG) is a kind of professional learning community in which teachers with similar interests meet regularly to explore and reflect upon selected issues. This presentation examines case studies of two teacher study groups comprised of world language teachers. Using analysis of the two groups, it reports how the TSGs influenced participants’ knowledge and practices, as well as their relationships. TSG procedures, advantages, challenges, and suggestions for implementation will also be discussed.

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University/Organization
William Paterson University

Title
Engaging STEM Teachers in Language Development and Literacy Practices for English Learners

Synopsis
This paper discusses the preliminary results of a qualitative study on the integration of language development and literacy practices for ELs in STEM classes taught by in-service teachers participating in the Preparing All Teachers to Better Serve English Learners (PATSEL) Program.

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University/Organization
University of Rhode Island

Title
URI’s Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program: Recruitment Efforts Year 1

Synopsis
URI’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to increase the overall number, diversity, and percentage of our teacher education candidates with STEM backgrounds. We actively recruited undergraduate STEM majors and STEM professionals who might otherwise not have considered a career in K-12 teaching and will be supporting them through their induction years. A range of recruitment strategies were used. Results of our recruitment efforts will be shared.

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University/Organization
California State University, Long Beach

Title
Rehabilitation Model for School Buildings

Synopsis
This paper presents a prioritization system for the rehabilitation of Kindergarten through 12th grade public school buildings in California. This system builds on the current school condition assessment process and assists to allocate rehabilitations funds in a rational manner that assures addressing and prioritizing the most deteriorated schools.

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University/Organization
Georgia Institute of Technology

Title I
Development of an Interactive Textbook for Command-Shaping Control Methods

Synopsis
The paper presents an interactive textbook for teaching command-shaping control methods to engineering students.

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Title II
Fostering Global Collaboration Between Engineering Students Through a Robotic Design Competition

Synopsis
Students from five international universities collaborate together on designing and building competition robots. This paper showcases the design outcomes and highlights the key lessons from this collaboration.

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University/Organization
Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Title
Smart Technologies for E-Surveillance: Some Evident Benefits But Also Many Problems Regarding Protection of Personal Data and Disrespect for Fundamental Human Rights

Synopsis
The paper has been dealing with some issues regarding modern smart e-surveillance regarding also the problems of protection of personal data and fundamental human rights

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University/Organization
Western Michigan University

Title
Increasing STEM Student’s Performance: Using Models to Improve Visualization

Synopsis
One of the biggest problems engineering students are facing is visualization. In order to help students to improve this skill and make teaching and learning more productive and interesting, I have developed a teaching strategy based on using models. Experience in using models shows significant improvements in student performances.

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University/Organization
The Catholic University of America

Title
Boxcar Model for Teaching Convective Heat Transfer and HVAC Topics

Synopsis
Convective heat transfer does not conform to the definition of heat transfer, i.e., the driving force is solely by temperature difference. Convection as a mode of heat transfer presents confusion and impedes learning. Improper teaching propagates through society; therefore, properly educating our future STEM professions is important. This paper presents a new teaching model for visualizing convective heat transfer.

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University/Organization
Iowa Wesleyan College

Title
Encouraging Student Interest in Quantitative Reasoning Courses

Synopsis
The following approaches are useful in teaching programming languages and quantitative reasoning courses. The approaches include: designing projects with animation and multimedia effects to help students visualize results; using real life examples to explain intuitive ideas of mathematical concepts/formulas; giving step by step illustration; and increasing lab time.

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University/Organization
Stanford University

Title
How I Got Here – Trajectories of Undergraduate Latinas in STEM

Synopsis
This study examines the trajectories of fifteen Latinas in STEM at a private institution through the social cognitive career theory and resilience lenses. It highlights instances when they felt encouraged to pursue STEM, protective and risk factors they encountered, introduction to STEM degrees and their STEM experience prior to and at their university. There is an emphasis on how mentors, parents, professors, and academic programs impacted their educational experience and pathway into STEM.

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