OUR STEM VISTAs

Conceptualizing OUR Chats began with two questions: how can we improve undergraduate research's branding, and how can I achieve this in connection to my role? As part of my onboarding in the CSU STEM VISTA program, we were tasked with conducting research and gathering scholarly articles that would aid us in the conceptualization and implementation of our projects. Therefore, I researched and perused works related to the retention of STEM students in undergraduate research, and a common theme was establishing a sense of belonging for them. There are various factors that can play into creating such an environment, one being faculty relationships and the other cultural connections, which caught my attention. As a recent college graduate from University of Redlands (Class of 2022), I can attest that these two traits - whether combined or separate - were true for me. I had a mentor that left a positive impact in my academic career, and as I reflect on it now, our similar backgrounds profoundly empowered me as a student at a pre-dominantly white institution.  

With that in mind, I was led to the question of what I would have liked to see as a student if my professors were encouraging me to get into research, and that was hearing from the faculty themselves. I would want them to convince me why engaging in research was worth my time, especially since I viewed research as lab coats and test tubes. What purpose would it have served me?  

My head was a bundle of thoughts as these questions circulated in my brain, but eventually, I decided to answer them by hosting a faculty panel featuring different departmental professors, taking inspiration from the British talk show, "The Graham Norton Show." I wanted these professors to be placed in a casual and comfortable environment to not only talk about their research, but also redefine research that is comprehensible and universal. I wanted the show's tone to bridge the gap between students and faculty since there is a disconnect. CPP's MediaVision has been a great help in filming and directing the show and making it come out fantastic!