Education and Outreach Program on Materials at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
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1105-OO03-02
Education and Outreach Program on Materials at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Oscar Marcelo Suárez, Sandra Dika, Jeannette Santos, and Eddie Marrero University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Mayaguez, 00681, Puerto Rico ABSTRACT The University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez and University of Wisconsin-Madison Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (UPRM-UW PREM) aims to create richer educational and research opportunities for Hispanic students in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and increase their representation in the Materials Science community. The educational and outreach (E&O) components for the UPRM-UW PREM include interventions for high school students and teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students at UPRM. This paper focuses on activities conducted with high school and university students during the third year of the program (2006-07). Results of surveys with student participants indicate that their participation contributes positively to their learning and development in laboratory, research and professional skills, as well as increases student interest in pursuing graduate studies in MSE. INTRODUCTION The University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez and University of Wisconsin-Madison Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (UPRM-UW PREM) aims at expanding educational and research opportunities for Hispanic students in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and increase their representation in the Materials Science community. Research shows that the students most likely to major in STEM fields in college and persist to earn their degrees are those who develop interests in STEM careers through early career planning and take challenging classes that prepare them for college-level science and math coursework [1]. Once students are enrolled in STEM programs, academically challenging coursework, access to research experiences, and mentoring and social support are important for retention, graduation, and continuation to graduate studies. The educational and outreach (E&O) components for the UPRM-UW PREM include interventions for high school students and teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students at UPRM. The paper focuses on our activities conducted with high school and university students. The program structure and preliminary results, including performance, future study plans, and perceptions of knowledge and skills in Material Science, are highlighted in the following sections. Data sources include surveys and records of university student academic performance. This study includes a section to link the current findings to previous project results and indicate directions for the final year of the project and beyond. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The primary E&O program components for students include research experiences, clubs, and demonstrations. Each component intends to develop specific areas that fit as whole within the overall strategic goals of the NSF PREM program.
Research Experiences Research experiences are the key project intervention within both student popula
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