Understanding Factors that Influence STEM Graduate Students' Sense of Scientific Identity and Implications for Science Education

Diversity in STEM fields has been a long-standing challenge for the scientific community, and recent research has shed light on the factors that influence graduate students' identification with science. The study titled "Graduate Students' Identification With Science: Differences by Demographics, Experiences, and Discipline" surveyed over 1,200 graduate students in STEM fields from four universities in the United States to measure their identification with science. The results showed that women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students had lower levels of identification with science compared to their male, white, and non-first-generation peers. The study also highlighted the importance of creating high-quality research experiences, supportive advisors, and fostering inclusive environments to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. By emphasising the relevance of STEM fields and providing opportunities for engagement, science education programs can help students develop a stronger sense of scientific identity and create a more diverse and representative STEM workforce for the future.