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Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives in higher education increasingly call for career mentorship opportunities for underrepresented minorities (URM). Researchers (Johnson & Sheppard, 2004; Nelson & Brammer, 2010) note the importance of having faculty to mentor and act as role models for students, often assuming that mentors play a stronger role if they are also from the same cultural background. Native American (NA) faculty members are underrepresented in most fields in colleges and universities, and exceedingly so in engineering. Only 0.2% (N=68) of engineering faculty nationwide identify as Native American (Yoder, 2014). Likewise, NA students are underrepresented in undergraduate (0.6%; N=1853) and graduate (0.1%; N=173) engineering programs. The low percentage in graduate school is of even greater concern as they represent the primary potential pool of new faculty members. Advising and mentorship from those who identify as NA are often considered important components recruiting and retention in STEM fields. For example, Smith and colleagues (2014) found that factors such as communal goal orientation influenced NA engineering students’ motivation and academic performance. However, very few studies account for differences in NA identity or provide a nuanced account of successful NA STEM professional experiences (Page-Reeves et al., 2018). This research paper presents findings from an exploratory study aimed at pinpointing the factors that influence NA entry and persistence in engineering faculty positions.
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Literature Review: Research in the career preparation of Native American engineers
Despite increased efforts to stimulate diverse participation in STEM education, Native Americans (NA) continue to be underrepresented in the field of engineering as students (0.6%; N=1853) and faculty (0.2%; N=68) and at a rate disproportionate to their representation in the population (Yoder, 2016). While many systemic factors contribute to the low participation of NA in STEM fields, professional and social support may increase engagement as they pursue college degrees and consider careers in higher education. This presentation offers an overview of contemporary approaches to the career preparation of Native Americans in the field of engineering. This literature review informs an NSF-funded project to explore the factors that influence Native American interests and aspirations for engineer faculty positions (EEC 1743329/1743572). We completed a thorough search using select keywords in three databases for refereed journal articles between 1990-2017. Although there are various STEM education programs for Native Americans, there are some similarities between their specific objectives. Thematic analyses focused on (a) pre-college STEM career awareness and preparation, (b) entry and retention in engineering degrees, and (c) indigenous/native identity and cross-cultural approaches to STEM education. We make recommendations for future research and practice based on trends and gaps in the literature. More research is needed about what constitutes effective NA career mentoring. Additionally, few researchers address the implications of Native Science on engineering education and career preparation.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1743329
- PAR ID:
- 10111052
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- School Science and Mathematics Association Conference
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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