HR: 10:35h
AN: ED22A-02    [Abstracts]
TI: Building the Quality of Diversity in the Geoscience Workforce Through Peer-and Near-Peer Mentored Research Experiences: The CSUN Catalyst Program, a Model for Success in the Geosciences
AU: * Marsaglia, K M
EM: kathie.marsaglia@csun.edu
AF: Dept. of Geological Sciences, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8266 United States
AU: Pedone, V A
EM: vicki.pedone@csun.edu
AF: Dept. of Geological Sciences, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8266 United States
AU: Simila, G W
EM: gerry.simila@csun.edu
AF: Dept. of Geological Sciences, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8266 United States
AU: Yule, J D
EM: j.d.yule@csun.edu
AF: Dept. of Geological Sciences, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8266 United States
AB: One means of achieving diversity in the geoscience workforce is through the careful cultivation of individuals towards successful careers. Our critical components for student achievement, as reflected in student evaluations, included the development of positive mentoring relationships, honing of critical thinking, writing and oral presentation skills, academic success, and financial support. In the initial three-year phase of in the California State University Northridge (CSUN) Catalyst program, thirty-one students participated, with subequal proportions of high school, undergraduate (freshman to senior) and graduate students. This initial cohort was dominated by Latina(o) students (22) with fewer African American (5), American Indian (2), Pacific Islander (1) and hearing-impaired (1) students. Students were incrementally recruited into the program at a rate of ~10 per year. New students were united through a semester-long Catalyst Course where they worked in groups on various team-building exercises followed by activities in which students were introduced to four different research projects by faculty advisors. Students then continued working on a research project in the following semesters, either as undergraduate or graduate research assistants. The research groups constituted self-mentoring subsets of peers and near-peers, tiered by experience (graduate to high school students) and directed by one of the four Catalyst faculty members. Catalyst student office space promoted intragroup interaction and camaraderie. Most students attended at least one regional, national or international Geoscience meeting. The CSUN Catalyst program has fostered the individual success of its participants, with most progressing towards or achieving BS and MS degrees in the geosciences. Those that have entered the workforce, have done so with more opportunities for career advancement as a result of their Catalyst experiences. Catalyst students have also advanced academically into MS and PhD programs. The research-focussed Catalyst program has therefore succeeded in building quality and diversity in the Geoscience community.
DE: 0800 EDUCATION
SC: Education and Human Resourcese [ED]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting