The influences and factors of an undergraduate research program in preparing women for science careers

Progress has been made in diminishing barriers to women in science in recent years, however obstacles still remain. One of the hallmarks of the Texas Tech University Howard Hughes Medical Institute (TTU/HHMI) Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program is to "support activities that broaden access to science for women." In light of the barriers women in science face, this dissertation examined how the experiences of females in the TTU/HHMI fellows program prepared them for a career in science. This study employed mixed methods, utilizing both a questionnaire involving all past female fellows, and in-depth interviews with seven fellows who chose a career as a professional scientist. The guiding research questions were: (1) How did the experiences of females in the TTU/HHMI fellows program prepare them for a career in science? (2) How did experiences in the TTU/HHMI fellows program help females who were pursuing careers in science to overcome or minimize the common barriers women in science encounter? and (3) What factors influenced those female fellows who chose not to pursue a career in science?

According to the quantitative data, research experience, the relationship with mentors, and opportunities to present at state or national meetings were program factors that fellows identified as contributing to their career success. Encouragement from the mentor and increased confidence regarding the ability to be successful in science were the most significant predictors of the fellows' career advantages. Motivation to pursue a science-related career due to the HHMI program was the most significant predictor of the fellow's preparation to overcome barriers.

Qualitatively, six major themes were identified for coding, which included (a) research experience, (b) the mentor, (c) support and interactions, (d) self-confidence, (e) career decisions, and (f) time demands related to a science career. The themes identified were important factors in preparing these past female fellows for a career in science by initiating a change in their attitudes, knowledge, and skills. With over 90% of past fellows currently pursuing a science career, the program, through research experience and encouraging mentors, made a large impact on the career paths of fellows.

According to the National Council for Research on Women (Thom, 2001) model programs for women in science tend to be "sporadic and disjointed," which makes overcoming barriers on a large scale difficult. Since 1988, 30,000 undergraduate students (56% female) have done faculty-mentored research. Data from this study support the premise that the TTU/HHMI program and similar programs that provide undergraduate women with research experiences and mentoring have the potential to increase the number of women pursuing and continuing in science careers.