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588 CRAWFORD ET AL.

I have been guided by several mentors, by way contribute to science, identified increased confidence
of LA-STEM, and this has inspired me to be a in their ability to navigate as researchers, and gained
mentor for others. My ultimate goal is to become self-assurance in their ability to obtain acceptance
a professor of industrial engineering at a major into doctorate programs. Similar findings docu-
research institution, and the LA-STEM program mented gains in research contributing to student’s
has truly been a guiding factor in helping define success (37,47-54).
my career goals.
I always knew that I wanted to go to graduate
– LA-STEM Graduate, LSU Class of 2011, Com- school, but I did not know what that entailed.
pleted Ph.D. in industrial engineering at the LA-STEM focused me [and] gave me all the tools
University of Michigan (2016), Currently an to prepare for school, get used to conducting
Assistant Professor research, and I soared because of it. This pro-
gram surrounded me with people with similar
Strong Staff Support goals and is the reason why I am a PhD graduate
Having strong staff support was cited as important today. LA-STEM is a program that trains students
to the participants’ success. Students described staff to get [into] grad school, but along the way we
as family, which encouraged their strong sense of were shown how to approach obstacles in school
belonging to a community. Evidence also suggests with vigor and determination.
that the program and its staff greatly influenced stu- – LA-STEM Graduate, LSU Class of 2009, Com-
dents’ persistence in STEM and the decision to pursue pleted Ph.D. in electrical engineering from The
graduate degrees. Many indicated that staff support Ohio State University (2016)
was of great importance to their ability to persist as
STEM majors, particularly during academic chal- A REPLICABLE MODEL
lenges and personal difficulties. Some participants While the OSI Training Model contains elements
stated they might not have been able to do so without of the Meyerhoff Research Scholars Program (40,55),
support from the program staff. This critical support it is also very distinct in that modifications have
has been shown to contribute to student retention been incorporated with respect to the institutional
and persistence in similar programs (39-41,44,46). context within LSU, the overall preparedness of the
The LA-STEM program has provided me with participants served, and the desire to identify and
everything a student needs for success—here cultivate potential in promising students who are
at LSU and beyond. I have been molded with often overlooked in STEM. All of the OSI Programs
care by experienced mentors whose faith in my have successfully accomplished the overall mission,
abilities [has] driven me past my own capacity. I often exceeding the initial program goals; however,
have developed into a scholar, a leader, and most the LA-STEM Research Scholars Program is a shining
importantly, into a researcher with the intellectual example of a replicable holistic student development
merit and focus on broader impacts to influence program. Through the implementation of the key
the world beyond the realm of science. elements of 1) recruitment of motivated students; 2)
utilization of academic support systems; 3) a cohort-
– LA-STEM Graduate, LSU Class of 2013, Pursu- based approach; 4) early exposure to research; 5)
ing Ph.D. in epidemiology at Harvard University effective mentoring practices; and 6) counseling and
advising at critical junctures, with modifications,
Integration into Research the model can be implemented at any institution for
Participants indicated that their research expe- students within any discipline. Additional studies
riences helped to solidify their interest in going to on the LA-STEM model have been conducted, and
graduate or medical school. Participants gained publications on the detailed aspects of the program
an expanded outlook regarding their potential to are forthcoming.