Mentorship for Transfer Student Success in STEM Research: Mentor Approaches and Reflections

Area of Science:

• Mentorship in undergraduate research
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education

Background:

• Mentorship is crucial for undergraduate research engagement.
• Limited understanding of mentor approaches for diverse students, particularly transfer students.
• Transfer students have unique educational paths impacting research opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine how mentors approach mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
• Focus on understanding mentor strategies for supporting transfer students in research.
• Identify variations in mentor perceptions and practices regarding transfer student mentorship.

Main Methods:

• Utilized semistructured interviews with research mentors.
• Employed phenomenography as an analytical approach.
• Developed vignettes to illustrate mentor approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified four categories of mentor reflections on transfer student identity.
• Revealed variations in mentors' understanding and exposure to transfer students.
• Indicated potential preconceived notions among mentors about transfer students' experiences.

Conclusions:

• Mentor approaches to transfer students vary significantly.
• Mentor understanding and potential biases influence support strategies.
• Findings inform the development of effective mentorship training for supporting transfer students.