Mentor: Anabela Maia, Rhode Island College
Co-Mentors: Anna Cano-Morales, Rhode Island College
Sally Hamouda, Rhode Island College

Project Location

Rhode Island College

Project Description

This project will investigate best practices to increase accessibility and representation and promote inclusive mentorship at all levels in STEAM research fields. This will be accomplished through review of literature research, programmatic research at other universities around the country and the world, as well as the development, deployment and analysis of a survey to students at Rhode Island College. The student(s) will work alongside Dr. Anabela Maia (Biology), Associate Vice President Anna Cano-Morales (Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Dr. Sally Hamouda (Computer Science and Information Systems) to analyze current initiatives and draft best practices based on the research detailed above to promote equity and diversity, especially in the research setting.

We expect to develop a bottom-up approach where the student perspectives are taken into account to begin to dismantle road blocks that limit access and perception of sense of belonging. We anticipate the design and initial deployment of a series of training sessions and a badging program geared towards students, staff and faculty at Rhode Island College. Another important aspect would be to create a user-friendly interface where K-12 and community centers in Rhode Island can log in to request speakers on a variety of STEAM topics that embody the diversity of the Rhode Island population.

Additional Information

• Dr. Maia’s Research Page