Mentoring and research are important tools for transforming undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through such experiences, aspiring scientists are engaged in meaningful learning that transcends classroom teaching into applications of relevance to real-world challenges. In addition, mentoring and research synergistically impact student retention and provide the preparatory background for long term careers in STEM fields. Through funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, Research Corporation, and the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Office of Strategic Initiatives at Louisiana State University provides a host of programs, services, and opportunities for students with exceptional promise for academic and research achievements. We believe that the hallmarks of all of these programs are our mentoring and research activities.  Combining these with diversity, academic advising and interventions, and financial support, our staff works collaboratively with faculty to provide a diverse population of students with the foundation needed to excel in undergraduate programs of study. Through these interventions and support, we have realized growth in the retention and graduation rates of program participants. Beyond simple subsistence in STEM fields, we have seen an increase in graduating GPAs of our students, as well as an increase in the number of program participants garnering national awards.  In addition, we have demonstrated that these strategies are equally applicable to a diverse population of students such that there is not a significant difference in the six-year graduation rates of under-represented minorities, women, and majority students.

Mentoring, research, and diversity: Transforming undergraduate STEM education

248th National Meeting (2014)

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