Innovative Research Experiences for Underrepresented Undergraduates: A Collaborative STEM Research Program as a Pathway to Graduate School

ABSTRACT This paper aims to describe, reflect on, and explore the perceptions of underrepresented undergraduate researcher students towards the plantREU2 internship program of two universities (an HBCU and an R1 university) in Florida, USA. The plantREU2 internship program resulted from a collaboration between UF and FAMU and was located in UF main campus in Gainesville, Florida. A total of 17 students completed 10-week summer projects in plant biology. The program (PlantREU2) had a strong record of success. Over 40% of plantREU2 students co-authored a journal publication and received travel awards to attend Maize Genetics Conference. Furthermore, plantREU2 participants were significantly graduated within six years. The underrepresentation of minorities in STEM is a critical challenge. The findings of this study can be adapted similarly for underrepresented undergraduates. The vast majority of interns enrolled in post-graduate programs could therefore be a model to engage traditionally underrepresented students in STEM disciplines.