STEM-ERL

2008-2011, Founder, Co-Chair

When I was a graduate student, I noticed that some of my peers, particularly those who grew up in more rural areas, were struggling with data collection, adhering to scientific research methods, and fluency with technology.

I built a program that provided a space for peer support and learning in research methods and emerging content.

At STEM-ERL, a participant would select a published study, present a brief summary, and then, as a group, we would explore answers to the following questions:

• • What topics are being studied? Where did the motivation come from? What problem are they addressing?

  • How are they conducting the studies?

  • How scientific is the study: what are the variables, controls, and methods for collecting data?

  • What are the findings and how does this relate to what we are studying?

The purpose was to facilitate thinking scientifically and a sense of belonging in our new Research Assistantships by discussing research methods in STEM-related studies.

The programming also acted as a peer tutoring session for anyone who needed help with technology or their own projects.