We are excited to share a remarkable achievement within our community that reflects the commitment and passion of one of our outstanding members, Ariana. She has successfully completed her honors thesis capstone project, and her work is poised to make a significant impact on addressing the challenges faced by underrepresented students in STEM programs.
Ariana's Mission: Aiming for Equity in STEM Education
In her groundbreaking project, Ariana delved into the complex issue of the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon experienced by underrepresented students in STEM programs at the university level. Her project focuses on unraveling the reasons behind the disproportionate attrition rates among students of color despite their initial interest in STEM fields. Ariana explains,
"My project is about examining the reasons that lead underrepresented students to leave STEM programs of study at the university level of education. There are a lot of overlapping and intersecting issues that are occurring that lead to this 'leaky pipeline' for STEM students of color, despite there being no real difference in initial STEM interest amongst admitted undergraduates."
Creating Change: The Equity Training Module
Ariana's dedication to inclusivity and diversity in STEM is evident in her creation of an equity training module. This module aims to address the systemic challenges that hinder the progression of underrepresented students in STEM fields. By understanding the multifaceted issues that contribute to the "leaky pipeline," Ariana's training module seeks to bridge the gaps and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for students from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Reflecting on the importance of her project, Ariana states,
"As a Puerto Rican woman pursuing healthcare, I think it is so incredibly important to pursue any avenue that will support students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds as they journey through their undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees. I believe it is important to include these students especially because it will allow for more ideas and innovation in workforces that will benefit everybody."
Ariana's honors thesis capstone project is a testament to her dedication, intelligence, and passion for creating positive change in the STEM landscape. We, as a research group, are immensely proud of her accomplishments and the impact her work is poised to have on fostering diversity and equity in STEM education.
Join us in celebrating Ariana's success and recognizing the importance of her research in shaping a more inclusive future for STEM. Her commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering underrepresented students is an inspiration to us all.
Warmest congratulations, Ariana, on this remarkable achievement!