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Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering

ISSN for PRINT: 1072-8325

Institutional price:	$211.00
Issues per year:	4

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2006, Volume12

163 pages

DOI: 10.1615/JWomenMinorScienEng.v12.i2-3

Issue price - $90.00

THE CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPERIENCES OF MINORITY FRESHMEN COMMITTED TO BIOMEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE RESEARCH CAREERS

Leticia Oseguera
University of California, Irvine, Department of Education, 2001 Berkeley Place North, #2084, Irvine, CA 92697-5500

Sylvia Hurtado
University of California, Los Angeles

Nida Denson
University of California, Los Angeles

Oscar Cerna
University of California, Los Angeles

Victor Saenz
University of California, Los Angeles

ABSTRACT

This study examines the characteristics and pre-college experiences of African American/Black, Latina/Latino, and American Indian students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a major in a biomedical or behavioral science field as well as an interest in pursuing a career in scientific research at college entry. Using data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program, the study explores factors that contribute to the career aspirations of racial/ethnic minority populations. Logistic regression analyses on a national sample of 71,000 students reveal that coursework and experiential learning in the sciences during high school as well as having a parent who is employed in a scientific field are important contributors to early interest in pursuing a scientific research career.