Undergraduate Research and Its Impact on Student Success for Underrepresented Students

Abstract

This chapter captures the mission and spirit of the California State University in its efforts to institutionalize undergraduate research and support the success of students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Enhancing Diversity in Biomedical Data Science

“…Professional and personal preparation are also integral to the success of a student in BDS. 16 Underrepresented students must understand the rigors of research culture, especially as it may conflict with personal cultural identity. There is evidence to indicate that a lack of understanding of research culture may lead to a lack of diversity in STEM and discouragement for underrepresented groups to pursue biomedical research.…”

“…Outreach must go beyond "cool science" or the sale of a high paying job and should show students how BDS can support the reduction of health disparities in their communities and beyond. 16 In addition, exposure through presentations by biomedical data scientists that are also from underrepresented groups in the field will serve to break down internalized stereotypes and provide role models for students. For institutions already serving underrepresented students, there is often an absence of exposure to innovative research in undergraduate level curricula that develop the skills …”

“…16,18 Biomedical data science curriculum must extend in focus beyond the areas of informatics, statistics, and biology. It must enhance the breadth of understanding of the students of how these disciplines can be integrated, which can be difficult to achieve since many undergraduate programs are not interdisciplinary in a true sense.…”

The Impact of Early Participation in Undergraduate Research Experiences on Multiple Measures of Premed Path Success

“…Most advisers of students seeking acceptance in a health sciences graduate program strongly advocate for a significant amount of research experience. UREs are but one part of an undergraduate's experience, and more evidence is generally needed to ascertain the range of URE impacts on students (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2017), even though it is generally accepted that participating in a URE positively correlates with a number of student outcomes (Jones, Barlow, and Villarejo 2010;O'Donnell et al 2015;Stanford et al 2015). Impact studies have generally focused on the great majority of undergraduates who experience authentic research as more senior students, particularly summer immersion experiences.…”

Increasing 2-yr Student Graduation and Transfer Rates through STEM Industrial and Academic Partnerships

“…8 Participation in undergraduate research is also linked to academic success, retention, and persistence. [9][10][11] The characteristics of two-year college STEM students are often considered barriers to participation in undergraduate research. The few undergraduate research experiences that are available to two-year STEM students generally target those transferring to the 4-year institution during the following semester (at the junior level).…”