Underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs are more likely to succeed when they experience positive psychosocial factors such as a sense of belonging and self-efficacy.
Less is known about how other issues, such as social justice perceptions and sociotechnical theory, influence these students to perform well in and out of the classroom.
A multidisciplinary UB research team is investing $1.5 million in national scientific research to study these issues and improve retention and graduation rates among high-achieving, low-income students who ultimately earn STEM degrees. Awarded a foundation grant.
This project aims to meet the nationwide need for well-trained professionals in the STEM field on a larger scale.
Led by Principal Investigator Rajan Batta, the team will use the award over five years to fund scholarships to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science, or a master’s degree in biomedical engineering or engineering science. Provides support services to 25 full-time students in .
Batta is Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Diversity in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Distinguished Professor in the SUNY Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Other investigators on the project are:
- Harrison Kelly, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Undergraduate Research in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
- Kristen R. Moore, Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
- Laetitia Thomas, Associate Dean of Diversity, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
To achieve their goals, researchers are developing programs that use inclusive learning communities. This is what Batta calls the most important aspect of the program. It offers courses that examine the social impact of engineering and computer science, and puts social justice theory into practice by working with community partners on social justice-themed projects.
Investigators use a humanistic approach. This is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual. — To address social challenges such as access to healthcare, access to clean air and water, and access to technology.
“This project will demonstrate how students can use their engineering and computer science knowledge and skills to make the world a fairer place for all.”
The program also provides mentoring, professional development, experiential learning, and research opportunities with faculty and community partners. These activities will be integrated with existing outreach efforts and the new Social Impact Summer Research Program to promote academic success and retention.
“For me, the most important part of this project is increasing the active involvement of student participants in hands-on action and community-based research projects,” says Thomas. “Participation in curricula and training that incorporates social justice is also important.”
The method of selecting participants is currently being adjusted. Batta said it will likely include an application, a committee review, and an interview.
First-year undergraduates receive a four-year scholarship and MS students receive a two-year scholarship. Students receive up to $10,000 annually and can use the funds for their education.
The program will begin in Fall 2023 and will continue through 2027.
“We hope that this model will be institutionalized and become part of UB’s regular offerings to non-subsidized students,” says Thomas.
This project is funded by an NSF Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program Scholarship. The program aims to increase the number of low-income, academically gifted students with a demonstrated financial need to pursue a degree in a STEM field.
