Latino STEM student participation in undergraduate research

Abstract

Undergraduate research with a faculty member is considered a high-impact practice that enhances student engagement and academic achievement. Using a large-scale multi-institution dataset from the National Survey of Student Engagement, this study explored senior Latino STEM students' undergraduate research experiences. Results suggest that Latino students are underrepresented among the STEM student population and are less likely to participate in undergraduate research compared to White and Asian STEM students. Additionally, the findings of this study indicate that some Latino students in STEM fields (e.g., first-generation, transfer, living off campus) have lower odds of participating in undergraduate research. In order to increase the participation of undergraduate research among Latinos in STEM fields, institutional researchers should recommend early intervention to provide additional academic resources and increase intentional financial aid for these students.