Elena Wood
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Angela Ebreo
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Center for the Education of Women+ (CEW+) / Other
Program:
Authors: Elena Wood, Angela Ebreo
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 8
Abstract
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields have, historically, been dominated by a generally white male population in all different types of careers. Research (e.g., Dancy et al, 2018) has shown that underrepresented groups tend to feel a lower sense of belonging to their STEM communities, and a lower sense of belonging is related to the reduced likelihood of remaining in college and in one’s field post-graduation. Research by Beeker et al (2018) provides evidence that racial/ethnic identity can contribute to underrepresented students’ sense of belonging on campus. Furthermore, students who experience intra-classroom racism also can feel a diminished sense of belonging (e.g., Hunter &MacNear, 2023). We used qualitative methods to examine how identity and sense of place can affect minoritized students’ sense of belonging. Five STEM students who are MI-LSAMP participants were interviewed by a PhD investigator using a semi-structured set of questions regarding their sense of belonging on campus and the interactions they have within their individual communities. Two research team members independently coded the interview transcripts using pre-set codes related to sense of belonging and several descriptions of space/place. Results showed students felt a greater sense of belonging when they were in a space where there was a positive communal environment involving the people inside the space, the interactions occurring in the space, and the functionality of the space. This suggests that minoritized students feel a greater sense of belonging when they are in a space where they feel supported. In addition, some visual elements of the space (e.g., size/vastness, peacefulness) contributed to how students felt in the space. This is a trend that should be explored in subsequent research that involves a greater number of participants from diverse backgrounds.
