Cindy Lustig, Psychology | 2022-2023
Under-represented students, including those from historically marginalized groups, first-generation immigrants or college students, and/or low-income backgrounds, face barriers to participating in research activities that are crucial for advancing towards graduate school and developing transferable skills for non-academic careers. The STAR (Scholarship, Transferrable skills, Academics, & Research) program addresses this issue early in the “pipeline” (first- and second-year students, and new transfer students) through a multi-pronged, evidence-based approach from the ‘pipeline’. The program consists of Fall seminars that are open to all students and provide an initial introduction to research and how to get involved. These seminars not only allow mutual assessment of interest but also serve students who are unable to participate in the more intensive Winter program. The Winter program, which includes around 30 under-represented students, alternates between all-hands sessions led by faculty and graduate students and small-group mentoring. During this program, students engage in activities that concretely advance them on the path towards research participation, such as finding labs, polishing CVs, composing introductory emails, and mock interviews. Pre- and post-survey data indicate that STAR has been highly successful in enhancing students’ self-rated knowledge and competence regarding research involvement. More concretely, it has increased the participation of under-represented and first-generation students in research positions and ultimately in the senior/honors thesis program. METEOR (Mentoring Extension To Empower Outstanding Researchers) was added in 2022-23 to provide ongoing support and community for STAR alumni. New developments for the upcoming year include further development of METEOR and structured opportunities to connect with local and community outreach groups, including those in which STAR alumni play a leadership role. These activities are designed to enhance STAR Scholars’ sense of belonging to the academic community and help combat imposter syndrome.