ERIC Number: EJ1111423
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1931-7913
EISSN: N/A
Analysis of Postdoctoral Training Outcomes That Broaden Participation in Science Careers
Rybarczyk, Brian J.; Lerea, Leslie; Whittington, Dawayne; Dykstra, Linda
CBE - Life Sciences Education, v15 n3 Article 33 Sep 2016
Postdoctoral training is an optimal time to expand research skills, develop independence, and shape career trajectories, making this training period important to study in the context of career development. Seeding Postdoctoral Innovators in Research and Education (SPIRE) is a training program that balances research, teaching, and professional development. This study examines the factors that promote the transition of postdocs into academic careers and increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Data indicate that SPIRE scholars (n = 77) transition into faculty positions at three times the national average with a greater proportion of underrepresented racial minorities (URMs) and females represented among SPIRE scholars. Logistic regression models indicate that significant predictors are the intended career track at the start of the postdoctoral training and the number of publications. Factors necessary for successful transition are teaching experience as independent instructors, professional development opportunities, and the experience of balancing teaching with research. Scholars' continued commitment to increasing diversity in their faculty roles was demonstrated by their attainment of tenure-track positions at minority-serving institutions, continued mentorship of URMs, and engagement with diversity initiatives. These results suggest that a postdoctoral program structured to include research, teaching, and diversity inclusion facilitates attainment of desired academic positions with sustained impacts on broadening participation.
Descriptors: Postdoctoral Education, Outcomes of Education, Science Careers, Science Instruction, Disproportionate Representation, Minority Group Students, Regression (Statistics), Partnerships in Education, Predictor Variables, Statistical Analysis, Comparative Analysis, College Faculty, Tenure, STEM Education, Career Development, Professional Development, Semi Structured Interviews, Qualitative Research
American Society for Cell Biology. 8120 Woodmont Avenue Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814-2762. Tel: 301-347-9300; Fax: 301-347-9310; e-mail: ascbinfo@ascb.org; Website: http://www.ascb.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH//DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: GMK12000678