Mentoring across difference and distance: building effective virtual research opportunities for underrepresented minority undergraduate students in biological sciences

Abstract

The National Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSURP) is a mentored summer research program in biosciences for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Conducted virtually over 8 weeks every summer starting in 2020, NSURP provides accessible and flexible research experiences to meet the needs of geographically diverse and schedule-constrained students. Drawing from mentee reporting and surveys conducted within the NSURP framework involving over 350 underrepresented minority undergraduate students over three cohorts (2020–2022), matched with mentors, this paper highlights the potential benefits of students participating in virtual mentored research experiences. In addition to increased access to quality research experiences for students who face travel or academic setting constraints, we found that virtual mentoring fosters cross-cultural collaborations, generates novel research questions, and expands professional networks. Moreover, this study emphasizes the role of virtual mentorship opportunities in fostering inclusivity and support for individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. By overcoming barriers to full participation in the scientific community, virtual mentorship programs can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for aspiring researchers. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the effectiveness and the potential of virtual research programs and mentorship opportunities in broadening participation and breaking down barriers in STEM education and careers. IMPORTANCE Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are established to provide platforms for interest in scientific research and as tools for eventual matriculation to scientific graduate programs. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of in-person programs for 2020 and 2021, creating the need for alternative programming. The National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) was created to provide a virtual option to REUs in microbiology to compensate for the pandemic-initiated loss of research opportunities. Although in-person REUs have since been restored, NSURP currently remains an option for those unable to travel to in-person programs in the first place due to familial, community, and/or monetary obligations. This study examines the effects of the program's first 3 years, documenting the students’ experiences, and suggests future directions and areas of study related to the impact of virtual research experiences on expanding and diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Lighting pathways to success in STEM: a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP) mutually benefits mentees and host laboratories

“…Mentees also gained knowledge of the hidden curriculum through this programme, getting feedback on research presentations, grant proposals, graduate school applications and manuscript drafts. This initiative adds to a growing list of programmes that explicitly address the hidden curriculum and help students develop diverse skills in STEM, including first-year seminars focused on the ‘epi-curriculum’ [ 2 ]; online, cross-institutional journal clubs [ 2 ]; and research experiences like the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project [ 9 , 11 ]. Such opportunities are particularly important for first-generation students who may have fewer interactions with faculty owing to lack of knowledge of implicit cultural norms and/or perceived barriers [ 24 ].…”

“…Virtual laboratory meetings, mentoring programmes and research experiences can connect students and faculty across institutional boundaries, creating opportunities for the development of mutually beneficial relationships and professional networks [ 9 – 11 ]. The recent expansion of resources for virtual communication has the potential to decrease the insularity of academic institutions, broaden academic networks and create new opportunities for faculty and students.…”

A review of undergraduate research programs aimed at underrepresented students

“… 64 ; Knox et al. 65 Meyerhoff Scholars Program UR STEM undergraduates summer, with some individuals participating across multiple summers participants accepted for this program five times as likely to earn a PhD as their non-accepted counterparts fosters Meyerhoff Program community; diverse research opportunities at various US and international universities, private corporations (such as Apple), government agencies (including NIH), and pharmaceutical companies (such as AstraZeneca) non-specific curriculum unique nature of the Meyerhoff Program may limit the generalizability; while lower in cost, does not discuss outcomes in conferences and other student outcomes Pender et al. 66 Scholars Committed to Opportunities in Psychological Education BIPOC psychology students flexible GRE prep, application knowledge anti-racist, culturally informed mentoring and curriculum specifically targeting and asks about presence of microaggressions focused only on psychology; lacks defined research component Silverstein et al.…”