STEM Identity Development for Under-represented Students in a Research Experience for Undergraduates

In addition to advancing scientific knowledge, National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering
Research Centers (ERC) have a primary focus on Engineering Workforce Development. Indeed,
the number of STEM jobs is growing faster than non-STEM jobs with projected shortages of up
to 3.5 million STEM workers in the United States by 2025 [1]. Additionally, it is important to
note the lack of diversity within the engineering profession; female students and students of color
remain underrepresented in STEM majors and STEM careers [2]. The population of students
who major in the STEM fields and who enter STEM careers do not reflect current demographics
of the United States population. Despite progress in gender and racial equity in STEM careers,
STEM fields have historically been and continue to be dominated by white men, particularly in
engineering, computer sciences, and physics[2]. For example, although women and men receive
undergraduate degrees at about the same rate, women account for only 30% of all STEM degree
holders and have particularly low representation in engineering [3], holding just 12 percent of
engineering jobs[4]. Similarly, people of color represent 27 percent of the adult population but
only 11 percent of STEM professionals [5]. Thus, our goal as an ERC is to promote STEM
pathways that both increase and diversify the pool of students seeking STEM careers.