A Culture of Undergraduate Research at a Diverse Public University Leads to Unprecedented Student Success

Student participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate research experiences has received national emphasis. The undergraduate research model used at a comprehensive public university supported faculty-mentored student projects across STEM and all disciplines. Between 2016 and 2019, 356 undergraduate students presented their research work annually at a campus showcase, with participation levels more than doubling over time. A rigorous study identified best practices for engaging all undergraduate majors in authentic research experiences. Results confirmed that the undergraduate research model successfully supported both traditional and minority populations. At the same time, 24 percent more STEM-related majors maintained an overall 0.13 higher first-year GPA than the general population of undergraduates. In addition, campus engagement was 42 percent higher for the showcase participants.