117 Views

Mentorship Courses Scaffolded throughout a STEM Curriculum to Support Belonging, Experiential Learning, and Retention

Saturday, November 5, 2022

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Arlington & Fairfax

Co-Presenter(s)

CD

Cynthia A. DeBoy (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor of Biology
Trinity Washington University
DC, District of Columbia, United States
Patrice E. Moss

Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Trinity Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
KW

Kaitlin Wellens (she/her/hers)

Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Biology
Trinity Washington University
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
MR

Mia Ray (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
Trinity Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
AC

Anette Casiano-Negroni (she/her/hers)

Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Trinity Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Program Abstract: To support the advancement of Women of Color in STEM at Trinity Washington University (designated as a Predominantly Black Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution), we revised the STEM curriculum to reduce barriers and incorporate more inclusive practices. The revised curriculum incorporates structured mentoring for all students within four one-credit courses, scaffolded to support students across four academic years. Throughout each semester, students from all courses assemble together. To allow for peer-to-peer mentorship, small groups of students from each academic year form, led by a faculty member. Revisions including structured mentorship and requirements for internships have corresponded to increased pass rates, retention, students’ perceptions for having a future in STEM, and number of STEM graduates. Participants in this session will be introduced to the curricular changes and guided through a process to consider their institutional mentoring structure and develop a plan toward more accessible and inclusive mentoring.