SCIENCE-INTERESTED UNDERGRADUATES' PERCEPTIONS OF THE GEOSCIENCES AS A CAREER

Previous studies have shown that undergraduate students hold negative perceptions of geosciences, from believing that the field holds little to no prestige compared to other careers, to considering geosciences to be a low-salaried career option. A group of 20 undergraduates, most identifying as underrepresented in science, participated in a multi-year extracurricular program that incorporated research, internships, and field activities. The program goal was to increase awareness and interest in geoscience careers. The program emphasized one to two-week field excursions, faculty-mentored research, and community internships as a means of creating awareness and building student interest. Concurrently, a research study examined how participant perceptions changed after being incorporated into the world of geosciences. We invited the 20 participants to complete surveys and interviews periodically over a period of five years, from their sophomore/junior year of undergraduate education through their senior year and within three years after graduation. Surveys and interviews measured participants’ self-efficacy, identity, and scientific values in the context of the geosciences, as well as participants’ perceptions of the geosciences. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using statistical tools and thematic coding. Based on the data collected, we demonstrate that extended field trips, geoscience faculty mentoring, and community internships helped participants to have a better understanding of geosciences and recognize their ability to excel in the geosciences.