Developing Supportive Networks in STEM: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Latina Undergraduates’ Social Connections in Science and Engineering
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM • 20 Minute Runtime • Room 226
Despite the fact that women are now outpacing men in their rate of college graduation, they remain overrepresented in low-paying fields like social work and teaching, and underrepresented in high-paying fields like engineering (Marcus, 2024). Inequalities in STEM attainment are exacerbated for women of color, who face particularly chilly environments in science and engineering classrooms due to social isolation and stereotypes about their race and gender. These experiences subsequently impact their sense of belonging, identity as scientists, and persistence in the field (McGee, 2016; Ong et al., 2011). A growing body of research points to mentorship and peer support, alongside high impact practices that boost self-efficacy, as key to retaining talented women of color in STEM (Byars-Winston et al., 2016; Estrada et al., 2011, Thoman et al., 2014). Drawing from: 1) longitudinal survey and interview data from Latina STEM majors to understand more precisely what effective sources of social support look like for them; 2) social network analysis to map students’ social networks; and 3) follow-up interviews with a subset of respondents, asked students to reflect on their social maps, session presenters will lead participants through an exploration of Latina STEM majors’ social networks and STEM identity. Participants will gain an understanding of the strengths inherent in Latinas social networks, and note ways to help their own female-identifying students develop supportive social networks in STEM. For participants who may be unfamiliar with social network analysis, this session will introduce the methodology and offer opportunities for using social network mapping in programming for students.
Nidia Bañuelos
Assistant Professor & Primary Investigator • University of WI-Madison CCWT
Kyoungjin Jang-Tucci
Project Assistant • University of WI-Madison CCWT