Creating a More Inclusive Undergraduate STEM Research Culture

Participation in Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs) has become an unwritten requirement for continued participation in STEM fields. Significant evidence indicates that these educational experiences result in students being more likely to persist in science majors during their undergraduate academic careers, with this being particularly pronounced for students from historically underrepresented populations. Mote Marine Laboratory serves as the lead institution on the National Science Foundation-funded Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation: Marine Science Laboratory Alliance Center of Excellence (MarSci-LACE). Through this project, a number of resources have been developed for both research mentors and undergraduate interns, including the MarSci-LACE Mentor Development Workshop, Mentor Resource Guide, Intern Resource Guide and Website, and intern recruitment materials. In this presentation, participants will receive an overview of these vital resources created by the MarSci-LACE team, and gain an understanding of how they have contributed to a more inclusive and supportive environment. Since these resources can be applied broadly, we will explore how participants can implement them at their own institutions. This presentation will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact.