🌞 While many are *likely* enjoying the “dog days of summer,” at MNA, we’re working to highlight the pivotal role of undergraduate research in STEM education.
We’re glad to share insights from our recent evaluation report on George Mason University’s innovative RISE Scholars Program. 📊🔬
About the program: https://lnkd.in/e28QWAk7
Undergraduate research is a transformative experience in STEM education, significantly influencing students’ career paths:
💡 83% of STEM undergraduates involved in research report an increased interest in STEM careers (Russell et al., 2007).
🎯 Undergraduate researchers are 48% more likely to pursue STEM PhD programs (Eagan et al., 2013).
ℹ Early research experiences lead to higher retention rates in STEM majors (Rodenbusch et al., 2016).
GMU’s RISE Scholars Program is making a difference. Our evaluation revealed:
✅ 89% of faculty mentors found the mentor-mentee selection process effective.
✅ 84% of students rated the selection process as ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ effective.
✅ Faculty reported significant benefits to students’ research interests.
✅ Students improved their research skills and received valuable guidance.
The RISE program offered the students:
A 5-week, full-time summer research experience
$7,000 in scholarships and stipends
On-campus housing and meal plan
Hands-on mentorship throughout the research project.
This initiative provided vital support for both students and mentors, allowing undergraduates to develop projects, learn research methods, and present their findings—all essential experiences for future STEM careers and graduate work.
We’re proud to contribute to the evaluation of programs that expose students to real-world STEM opportunities. George Mason University‘s deep commitment to undergraduate research is setting the stage for the next generation of STEM innovators!
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For those who’d like the references:
Russell, S. H., Hancock, M. P., & McCullough, J. (2007). Benefits of undergraduate research experiences. Science, 316(5824), 548-549.
Eagan Jr, M. K., Hurtado, S., Chang, M. J., Garcia, G. A., Herrera, F. A., & Garibay, J. C. (2013). Making a difference in science education: the impact of undergraduate research programs. American Educational Research Journal, 50(4), 683-713.
Rodenbusch, S. E., Hernandez, P. R., Simmons, S. L., & Dolan, E. L. (2016). Early engagement in course-based research increases graduation rates and completion of science, engineering, and mathematics degrees. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 15(2), ar20.
PC: Sara Attar.
