Discipline: Chemistry & Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: STEM Research
Kimberley Cousins - California State University, San Bernardino
Co-Author(s): Sara Callori, California State University San Bernardino
During the past five years, over 200 community college and four-year institution undergraduate students have participated in CREST-sponsored research experiences at multiple sites: CSUSB, UNL, UB, and two local community colleges. In addition, five graduate students, 25 high school students, two high school teachers, and 4 community college faculty members have undertaken research at CSUSB. One new faculty member joined the five original members at CSUSB; she was attracted to campus, in part, by research and collaboration opportunities afforded by CREST. By involving participants from a wide range of institutions and levels of experience, the CSUSB CREST collaboration has taken steps to widen the STEM pipeline at multiple stages. The high school through undergraduate (starting at either community college or at CSUSB) pipeline has been enhanced for largely minority, low income, first generation students, with some students entering CSUSB from our high school and CC partners. Application and matriculation at graduate school, largely Ph.D. programs, has been nearly 50% among CREST graduates, with several applying to and/or attending our partner institutions. Visiting graduate students from UNL and UB have strengthened our research collaborations, while providing unique training opportunities for the visiting students, including mentored teaching and undergraduate research advising in an HSI/MSI. Our newest faculty member was given access to existing partnerships and resources, enabling her to contribute quickly to Center goals, while strengthening her own professional portfolio. Overall, participants at all levels have benefitted from internal and external collaborations, which have worked in concert to maximize professional and educational opportunities.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF CREST, HRD 1345163 (PI Usher)
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,