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This instrumental case study (Stake, 1995) explores the external factors that influence international science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) postdoctoral scholars in the United States to pursue a career in STEM. Interviews with 20 international STEM postdoctoral scholars were analyzed deductively to shed light on their unique backgrounds and experiences. Three themes emerged: (a) parents were highly encouraging, (b) a love of science was nurtured in school, and (c) they were eager to engage in and promote scientific innovation. These findings illustrate the ways in which family, schools, and community influence the STEM career trajectories of international postdoctoral scholars
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The challenge of postdoc’ing in the US: Perspectives from international engineering postdoctoral scholars
An intrinsic case study explores the challenges shared by international engineering postdoctoral scholars working in the United States (US). Little research has been devoted to their experiences despite their stark increase in the postdoctoral labor force over the last decade. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight engineering postdoctoral scholars hailing from Canada, China, Colombia, Iran, Italy, and Thailand. Participant interviews were analyzed inductively and resulted in four themes: (1) Immigration concerns; (2) Strains to find a community; (3) Pressure to publish and secure funding; and (4) Inadequate career counseling. The identified themes could be particularly instructive to Ph.D. advisors outside the US whose students may pursue postdoctoral positions in the US, Ph.D. recipients, US postdoctoral advisors, and US college and university international offices.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1821008
- PAR ID:
- 10479975
- Publisher / Repository:
- European Society for Engineering Education
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- European Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Dublin Ireland
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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