The Fund for Douglass Science Scholars New Jersey and the entire nation face a crisis in the labor force for STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). One reason for this crisis is the underrepresentation of women in these fields. The Douglass Project for Rutgers Women in Math, Science, and Engineering (the Douglass Project) has inspired thousands of students to pursue studies and careers in STEM for the last 27 years. The Douglass Project has distinguished itself as a national leader in increasing women’s representation in STEM. In fact, in 2013, 55% of new Douglass Residential College students intended to declare a STEM major, the highest in the college’s history. The challenge is to ensure that those women who aspire to pursue STEM majors and careers obtain the academic experience and preparation to make their aspirations a reality. Because of its location at Rutgers, a world-class research university, Douglass is uniquely positioned to create the next generation of women in STEM. The Douglass Project provides academic, mentoring, and career development programs for 800 Douglass women students in STEM. These programs enhance the students’ educational experiences and give them significant opportunities to conduct research, work with mentors, and build professional connections. One signature program is Douglass Science Scholars, which offers primary research opportunities to STEM students. Features of the Douglass Science Scholars Program: Introduction to Scientific Research - required course Preparation for lab/field work with faculty 10-week paid research experience in the summer A close-knit community of students who provide peer support Professional mentoring by Douglass Project staff and graduate students Career exploration workshops Assistance in applying for prestigious research opportunities and fellowships Access to the Douglass Project’s yearlong programs The Douglass Science Scholars have direct and ongoing relationships with STEM faculty, learn how empirically-based questions and methods are formulated, and explore the connection between their academic learning and its practical application. Students also learn how to present their research, which culminates in their poster displays at the Douglass Project Poster Session each fall. Recent student research projects have included work on:
The design of an artificial hand for a little girl with the aid of a 3-D printer A unique molecule found in the quinoa grain that could improve the elastin in skin The role of polar proteins on neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis The enhancement of the cochlear implant for the hearing-impaired
Over . . .
Studies of women’s persistence in STEM document the importance of early research work. Exposure to the excitement of scientific discovery, collaboration with successful scientists, and participation in the teamwork increasingly required in STEM fields all contribute to students’ desire to pursue STEM careers. These experiences have been shown to increase women’s identification as scientists and to build their confidence in their capacity to excel. As one Douglass Science Scholar explains: Jumping into a lab with minimal experience can be daunting, but by having the financial and emotional support of the stipend and the Douglass Project, I could enter the lab with confidence and shine because I didn’t feel afraid to try. For the summer of 2014, donor gifts and college funds have enabled the Douglass Project to support 43 students in paid research internships. The stipends average $3,300 per student for 10 weeks. Most of the projects are done with faculty at Rutgers-New Brunswick, although some students pursue research at other institutions, such as the University of Nevada, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Colgate Palmolive Company. Without these stipends, the students would have to find other summer jobs to defray college costs, losing a valuable opportunity to conduct research and advance in their STEM majors. These undergraduate research experiences also make the students stronger candidates for more prestigious research opportunities and fellowships, as well as for consideration for top graduate schools and jobs in STEM. Douglass Residential College seeks to expand significantly its ability to provide paid research internships to STEM students through the Fund for Douglass Science Scholars. The goal is to increase the number of available research stipends to close to 100 Douglass students. The college’s Advisory Board is leading an initiative to increase donor support for this important program, which ensures that Douglass women can conduct the intensive scientific research that is a key component of their STEM academic and career success. THE DOUGLASS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE ADVISORY BOARD APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT. For questions: please contact Denise Wagner, Director of Development at Douglass Residential College: dwagner@echo.rutgers.edu or 848-932-3030.
Douglass Residential College Advisory Board Members Dean Jacquelyn Litt (Dean of the College) Wendy Cai-Lee DC’96 (Board Chair) Angela Christiano DC’87 Portia Cohen DC’85 Julie Domonkos DC’83
Eileen Poiani DC’65 Barbara Rodkin DC’76 Freda Wolfson DC’76 Lavinia Boxill (ex-officio) Denise Wagner (ex-officio)
Please visit the college’s website to learn more about its programs: douglass.rutgers.edu