293-4 A Pilot Initiative for Strengthening Research and Career Readiness in Earth and Environmental Sciences at a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Session: Developing and Assessing Workforce Skills in Geoscience Courses and Programs

Presenting Author:

Esmeralda Mendez

Authors:

Mendez, Esmeralda¹, Dong, Tian Yang², Cheng, Chu-Lin³, Pereira, Engil⁴

(1) School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA, (2) School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA, (3) School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA, (4) School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA,

Abstract:

Students from Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) are considered an underrepresented segment of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Traditional programs that equip students for research and STEM careers usually occur as extracurricular activities. However, many MSI students, such as those at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), have non-traditional, first-generation, and/or low-income backgrounds, which limit their opportunities outside instructional time. Through “Remote-sensing & Analytics for Integrating Science Education (RAISE)” funded by NASA, this study employs a pilot model to restructure the curriculum, providing students with enhanced experiential learning opportunities with incentives to improve their workforce readiness. Remote sensing data and data analytics were incorporated into the classroom to enhance students’ skills in practical applications of Earth and Environmental Sciences (ESS). Furthermore, scientists from R1 universities and NASA centers were invited to share their research and career journeys through seminar presentations. Students were able to foster connections with potential advisors and employers while gauging their interest in ESS research. Students were compensated for their time spent outside of their normal class schedule for these seminars. We then partnered with Johnson Space Center (JSC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the University of Texas at Austin to send UTRGV students to 10 week-long summer internships. Surveys were conducted after each component to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The course survey revealed that 100% of students considered the course activities at least moderately relevant to real-world projects. 84% of participants reported feeling better prepared to embark on STEM-related academic or career opportunities after attending the seminar series. Lastly, students reported gaining practical skills, confidence, and career readiness in STEM after the internships. Given that this is a pilot study, the survey outcomes will aid the development of future curricula at UTRGV and peer MSIs/institutions to better prepare the future workforce for the public and private sectors, including NASA and various industries. Ultimately, implementing a similar framework can help MSIs strengthen STEM engagement and increase career opportunities for students.

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