Resumen de Accessible Research Experiences: A New Paradigm for In-Lab Chemical Education
Marc M. Baum, Elizabeth S. Krider, John A. Moss
At the Oak Crest Institute of Science we have developed an experiential education model centered on in-lab chemistry training and mentoring. In this preliminary report, an alternative laboratory setting is described where researchers can engage physical science students contemplating a career in science and engineering (SandE), but who lack access to hands-on research opportunities, a pivotal factor for many eventual researchers. Results from the past three years are discussed in terms of the demographic of the participants and their home institution: 63% of participants were women and 38% were attending a community college at the time of their research experience. The successful involvement of these demographics in cutting-edge research supports our contention that non-degree-granting organizations like Oak Crest can provide accessible, in-lab chemical education for motivated students. Thirty-two students were mentored over the past 3 years, and the results demonstrate the value of an additional paradigm for training future SandE participants.
