COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH TO IMPROVE ALUMNI TRANSITION FROM AN INTENSIVE RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED UNDERGRADUATES

• Main Authors: Keller, T.E (Author), Miller, R. (Author), Posadas, D.L (Author), Raymaker, D.M (Author), Scharer, M. (Author), Widmer, A. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Begell House Inc. 2023
• Subjects: community-based participatory research; financial barriers; historically underrepresented students; STEM research training; undergraduate diversity initiatives
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 Various initiatives for undergraduates from historically underrepresented backgrounds attempt to address disparities in the completion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and the pursuit of careers in scientific research. Intensive research training programs for historically underrepresented undergraduates may include multiple components, such as authentic research experi-ences, advising and mentoring, supplemental curriculum, and financial assistance. Following compre-hensive support during program participation, the postprogram transition may present a vulnerable pe-riod in students’ career trajectories. This study used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to investigate the experiences of students completing an intensive research training program to understand and develop recommendations for the postprogram transition process. As a team of program alumni, academic researchers, and program staff, we developed, conducted, and analyzed semistruc-tured, open-ended interviews of recent program alumni and students approaching program completion (n = 11; 55% female, 55% non-White). Applying thematic analysis at semantic and latent levels through a critical paradigm revealed the transition as a bittersweet experience, with feelings of pride and accom-plishment mixed with sadness and anxiety. Findings also suggested the transition is described as a narrative influenced by preceding program experiences and adaptations. Financial concerns were prominent, and specific barriers and facilitators of successful transition included aligned mentoring, negotiation of continued research employment, consideration of culture, planning for next steps, and engagement with the scholar community. Collaboratively, we developed recommendations for program improvements potentially relevant to similarly intensive STEM diversity programs. We also highlight the value of a CBPR approach that includes students equitably as coresearchers in program research and evaluation. © 2023 by Begell House, Inc.