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A Research Preparatory Program for First-Year College Students: Student Selection and Preparation Lead to Persistence in Research

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Abstract

Undergraduate research experiences may increase persistence in STEM majors. We describe a research program that targets first-year students selected for their curiosity and attitudes towards science. We explain the implementation of the program over 3 years and present evaluation data using a group of matched controls. Participants and controls pursued STEM degrees at equivalent rates, but participants were significantly more involved in research. Initial laboratory interest and mentor pairing may have played a role in this finding. Female participants, particularly those with male laboratory mentors, engaged in more research than men.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Su Swarat developed the science interest survey instrument provided input regarding this portion of the manuscript. We gratefully acknowledge the work of program staff Dr. Stanley Lo, Ms. Kimberly Randle, and Ms. Janet Hermez. The NU Bioscientist program was conceived and initially implemented by Drs. Linda Hicke and Greg Light as part of HHMI grant 52006934.

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Correspondence to Rachael R. Baiduc.

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Baiduc, R.R., Drane, D., Beitel, G.J. et al. A Research Preparatory Program for First-Year College Students: Student Selection and Preparation Lead to Persistence in Research. Innov High Educ 42, 269–284 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-016-9377-4

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