STEMSEAS 3.0: GOING OUT TO SEA, FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH (Invited Presentation)

The Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Student Experiences Aboard Ships (STEMSEAS) project leverages unused capacity during transits of ships in the U.S. academic fleet to provide undergraduate students with exposure to and experience with science, careers, and life at sea. Since 2016 we have sailed more than 240 students on eight vessels operated by the University National Oceanographic Laboratories System (UNOLS) and one private vessel operated by Ocean Exploration Trust. STEMSEAS is dedicated to: (1) creating synergies; (2) increasing opportunity and diversity within the geosciences; and (3) growing the STEM ecosystem. The program has been successful in recruiting diverse cohorts of undergraduate students, many from historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields, including Black and Latino/Latina students, first generation college students and those from community colleges.

Through pre- and post-expedition survey data from students, we have learned where our greatest impacts are occurring. We are seeing statistically significant increases in student understanding of the breadth of geoscience careers, in confidence in their geoscience choice and knowledge, and in their sense of belonging and connection to the community of geoscience practitioners. Anecdotally, students are also growing their networks, maintaining relationships established during these expeditions, and using these networks to make their next academic/career moves and opportunities. We are continuing to collect longitudinal data on impacts from our students.

Our understanding of these outcomes led us to build in several exciting new components to the next iteration of the STEMSEAS program. These include faculty professional development expeditions for both HBCU and community college faculty, training them as future mentors and supporters for their students. These experiences and relationships strengthen the ecosystem for students from these kinds of institutions. Furthermore, in building on student enthusiasm for the program and desire to remain involved, we created a student alumni advisory council from whom we will regularly seek feedback on strengthening many aspects of the program, and we are creating ongoing engagement opportunities through webinars and alumni newsletters.