Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: STEM Science and Mathematics Education
Alamelu Sundaresan - Texas Southern University
Co-Author(s): Mark Harvey, John Sapp, Azime Saydam, Bernell-Peltier Glaze, Texas Southern University
This Targeted Infusion Project is aimed at improving the persistence of underrepresented undergraduate students working toward a degree in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields incorporating unique STEM based resources. The program has two components focusing on the subject material containing interesting and important core subject matter within Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. This project will be based on a foundation of active learning practices using trained undergraduate mentors in structured sessions for freshman STEM students using core STEM courses. In addition to peer-mentoring, undergraduates will also be exposed to faculty mentored research experiences. Apart from a strong foundation in the critical sciences and mathematics subject matter, the translational application and understanding of these concepts via experimentation (e.g., student research internships) will reiterate key fundamentals and generate more interest in the subjects. It is the goal of this proposal that this targeted infusion will improve retention in STEM subjects, increase graduation rates and increase the number of students that go on to graduate school. Student performance will be followed and evaluated as to their GPA, persistence, retention and progression in STEM fields within the three-year time frame of the grant period.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF-TIP grant 2017-2020
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,