Science Identity Study

College students, especially minority students, often leave science majors mid-way through their time in school. In part, this has to do with feelings of exclusion or not belonging within the world of science. Science identity, or the feeling of science being a part of 'who you are' is an important factor in sticking with a science degree. Independent research projects in classes may help promote feelings of science identity. This study will investigate how courses with elements of independent research projects promote science identity and ask students to reflect on what the term 'science identity' means to them. By performing this study, we hope to understand how better to help students persist in science majors.