Panel/Workshop:

Concurrent Session

Paper Title:

Research Internships In Science And Engineering (Rise): Lessons From The First Year

Date & Time:

06/10/03  02:00

Abstract:

The percentage of women represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is relatively low. This well documented but little understood phenomenon is a cause of great concern to STEM educators.Based on the available literature on barriers to women's success in STEM, an innovative educational intervention has been developed at the University of Maryland.
In the second year of implementation, Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) is designed to facilitate mentoring and role modeling for women at all levels of higher education: first year students, advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and female faculty members. RISE is a two-tiered program consisting of The First Year Summer Experience (FYSE) focusing on incoming students and Summer Research Teams focusing on upper-level undergraduates, graduate students and faculty. Evidence from the first year of implementation will be provided to show how this program uniquely addresses several of the major barriers that women face.

Index Terms ¾ Barriers, Research Program, Mentor Hierarchy, Retention Strategy

Authors:

Paige Smith , University of Maryland College Park
Women in Engineering Program , 1134G Glenn L. Martin Hall
College Park , MD , 20742
pesmith@deans.umd.edu

Janet A. Schmidt , University of Maryland College Park

Linda C. Schmidt , University of Maryland College Park

Kristen E. Vogt , University of Maryland College Park