DEVELOPING INCLUSIVE LAB CLIMATES FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS: A NATIONAL STUDY OF COMPUTING FACULTY

This study describes findings from a large-scale program evaluation of a National Science Foundation undergraduate research program, the Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering (CISE) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. A study of faculty principal investigators from CISE REU sites was conducted to investigate faculty motivation and perceived impact from their participation in managing undergraduate research experiences, and to identify successful practices for creating intentionally inclusive research cultures among their labs. A mixed-methods approach was implemented to gauge faculty administration of research programs, including how the lab culture was established, what they identified as effective mentoring structure and practices. Additionally, their perceptions and perceived career impact from leading summer research programs were explored. Thirty CISE REU faculty participated in a survey, and 18 participated in a semi-structured phone interview, well over half of the total sample within the NSF CISE community. This study presents findings that inform undergraduate research engagement from experienced faculty who lead summer programs. Findings provide research based evidence informing those who design and lead undergraduate research programs. Implications for diversity inclusion within lab climates are presented and discussed.