STEM Shortage Research Articles

Beyond the Leaky Pipeline: Developmental Pathways that Lead College Students to Join or Return to STEM Majors

STEM education researchers often invoke the “Leaky Pipeline” metaphor (National Research Council, 1986) when explaining why so many students do not persist in STEM. This metaphor envisions the supply of potential workers as a pipeline. Students “drip out” (leave STEM) of the pipeline from preschool through college. However, this metaphor does not adequately reflect the fluidity and multi-directionality of students’ decisions about their college majors. For example, some students join STEM after leaving another (non-STEM) major, and others add STEM as a second major. Increasing the number of students who join STEM could contribute substantially to addressing the STEM shortage. We used the term STEM joiners to refer to these students. We conducted a qualitative study of 22 college STEM joiners to explore the developmental trajectories and motivations of these STEM joiners. Data was collected through semi-structured clinical interviews with each individual and was analyzed by an iterative, grounded coding processes to derive themes and categories. We found that the decision to join STEM after declaring another major was often motivated by a desire to return to original interests in STEM. Early college STEM courses, supportive STEM environments, and mentoring experiences were critical in students’ joining decisions. The results suggest ways in which STEM joining could be increased, which could lead to an increase in the number of STEM majors.

Introduction to Special Issue—STEM Workforce: STEM Education and the Post-Scientific Society

An assumption is often made that STEM shortages can be remedied by either increasing the number of STEM graduates or enlarging STEM labor supply through immigration. Yet in some STEM fields, there are classic signs of adequate supply or even oversupply. The issue is further complicated by nonlinear career dynamics and rapidly evolving international pressures. The goals of this special issue are to summarize the research, and more importantly, to go beyond the current debate to identify critical policy issues in preparing individuals for STEM careers that are personally satisfying and meeting the needs of industry and the public sector. A common theme is that broader skill sets will be required that span STEM and non-STEM fields. However, political and other expedient considerations have continued to shape workforce policies.

InSTEMnifying Youth: STEM, Capital, & Power

Abstract This paper analyzes the push from the federal government to get more institutions of higher education to graduate greater numbers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors and educators. This push is based on research mostly coming from foundations and industries that employ STEM workers. Researchers question whether the STEM shortage is actually a reality or a myth driven by other factors. The author’s anecdotal experiences working for a university that prides itself on STEM are considered while offering a theory that policies and initiatives favoring STEM are but the latest instance of education being used as a tool of commerce. The theoretical implications of the push for STEM in universities are considered to question if a manufactured STEM “crisis” is just another insidious extension of neoliberal power into institutions and upon bodies in a Foucaultian sense. Keywords: STEM, higher education, power, capital

Professional fulfillment and parenting work-life balance in female physicians in Basic Sciences and medical research: a nationwide cross-sectional survey of all 80 medical schools in Japan

BackgroundIn Japan, the field of Basic Sciences encompasses clinical, academic, and translational research, as well as the teaching of medical sciences, with both an MD and PhD typically required. In this study, it was hypothesized that the characteristics of a Basic Sciences career path could offer the professional advancement and personal fulfillment that many female medical doctors would find advantageous. Moreover, encouraging interest in Basic Sciences could help stem shortages that Japan is experiencing in medical fields, as noted in the three principal contributing factors: premature resignation of female clinicians, an imbalance of female physicians engaged in research, and a shortage of medical doctors in the Basic Sciences. This study examines the professional and personal fulfillment expressed by Japanese female medical doctors who hold positions in Basic Sciences. Topics include career advancement, interest in medical research, and greater flexibility for parenting.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was distributed at all 80 medical schools in Japan, directed to 228 female medical doctors whose academic rank was assistant professor or higher in departments of Basic Sciences in 2012. Chi-square tests and the binary logistic regression model were used to investigate the impact of parenthood on career satisfaction, academic rank, salary, etc.ResultsThe survey response rate of female physicians in Basic Sciences was 54.0%. Regardless of parental status, one in three respondents cited research interest as their rationale for entering Basic Sciences, well over twice other motivations. A majority had clinical experience, with clinical duties maintained part-time by about half of respondents and particularly parents. Only one third expressed afterthoughts about relinquishing full-time clinical practice, with physicians who were parents expressing stronger regrets. Parental status had little effect on academic rank and income within the Basic Sciences,ConclusionScientific curiosity and a desire to improve community health are hallmarks of those choosing a challenging career in medicine. Therefore, it is unsurprising that interest in research is the primary motivation for a female medical doctor to choose a career in Basic Sciences. Additionally, as with many young professionals with families, female doctors seek balance in professional and private lives. Although many expressed afterthoughts relinquishing a full-time clinical practice, mothers generally benefited from greater job flexibility, with little significant effect on career development and income as Basic Scientists.

Emergence in the U.S. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce: an agent-based model of worker attrition and group size in high-density STEM organizations

The United States government forecasts a shortage of 1,000,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workers over the next 10 years, putting STEM workforce sustainability at risk. The U.S. federal government has launched a range of programs, initiatives, and commissions to address this critical shortage. Past research has shown that organizational group-oriented culture, smaller work team groups, and worker homogeneity relate to lower attrition rates and higher levels of reported worker satisfaction. Applying Complex Adaptive Systems, this study takes a systems approach to examine worker attrition rates and worker group sizes in relation to STEM density across high-density STEM organizations. The base-case organization for this study is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) because it maintains the highest density of STEM workers across all U.S. federal organizations and consistently ranks first in teamwork, innovation, and worker satisfaction in the annual Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. The methodology for this study comprises an empirically validated NETLOGO agent-based model of worker attrition using OPM data sets for high-density STEM organizations. Model initialization parameters are represented and validated by historical attrition data for NASA and two control group organizations. The control groups include a lower-limit high-density STEM model and a medium high-density STEM model for validation with historical worker attrition data for the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Communications Commission. The findings for this study confirm that STEM worker density is negatively related to attrition rate across all high-density organization types. The model output observations further show the emergence of a negative relationship between organizational STEM density and average worker group size, yet the opposite association is observed for STEM workers. The agent-based modeling approach is an important addition to the current line of academic focused research on STEM workers because it provides a bottom-up insight which helps inform theories and policy effects on ways to mitigate forecasted STEM shortages. Future research could be extended to apply Tipping Point Theory to STEM density and attrition rate variability to better understand STEM threshold ranges across high-density STEM organizations. Future models could also investigate specific STEM and Non-STEM worker characteristics to include age, gender, salary, or education level.

Another funny thing happened on the way to the STEM shortage

Another funny thing happened on the way to the STEM shortage

Impending STEM Shortages in Australia: Beware the ‘Smoke and Mirrors’

Within Australia over the last decade there has been considerable government rhetoric about impending shortages in the STEM workforce and the long-term impact on the future economy. Much of the data provided in government and industry reports allude to falling participation rates in STEM-related subjects and the inability of industry to employ suitable employees with the necessary skill-sets. In this theoretical paper, we explore these reports and the STEM literature to mine the data so as to highlight the inconsistencies and ‘smoke and mirror’ messages communicated in many of the findings. Initially, the participation rates of students in STEM-related subjects both at secondary and tertiary levels are explored. Following this, the various disciplines or fields of education comprising STEM are considered. Finally, in order to gain a broader and potentially alternative perspective, economic measures including job availability and salaries are discussed in relation to STEM graduate destinations and employment. While Australia is the context for the discussion, reference is made to emerging data from other countries experiencing similar issues around STEM where applicable.

No STEM Shortage in Indiana, a Report Says

No STEM Shortage in Indiana, a Report Says

WHO donates medicines to stem shortages crisis in Syria

WHO donates medicines to stem shortages crisis in Syria

H-1B Visas and the STEM Shortage: A Research Brief

The Senate introduced a landmark comprehensive immigration reform bill last month that has the potential to both increase the number of available H-1B visas for skilled foreigners working in specialty occupations and shift the U.S. employment-based visa system to a more merit-based scheme that favors science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers. As the Congressional process moves forward, debate continues over the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market. Focusing on demand-side arguments, businesses say they cannot find the skills they need from the domestic labor pool and need access to a global pool of skilled workers. On the other hand, some analysts have argued that there are plenty of U.S. native-born workers who can do these jobs. Such positions fit into a broader literature analyzing whether or not there is a sufficient supply of STEM workers to meet employer demands and foster innovation. This article examines new and rarely-used metrics on the supply and demand for STEM occupations in an effort to inform public policy and better understand the market for STEM workers and H-1B visas.

Possibility of combined application of amidosulfuron with CCC depending on winter wheat growth stageOcena łącznego stosowania amidosulfuronu z CCC w zależności od fazy rozwojowej pszenicy ozimej

Summary The objective of this study was the evaluation of possible joint application of amidosulfuron (Grodyl 75 WG) with retardant containing CCC (Antywylegacz Plynny 675 SL). In particular the influence of the examined mixture on stem shortage, wheat yielding and broad leaved weed control was taken into consideration. Amidosulfuron and retardant were applied jointly and separately, at two dates: beginning of wheat shooting and flag leaf stage. Four weeks after the treatment, the assessment of weed control efficacy was carried out. Plants height and lodging were recorded after wheat earing. At harvest, grain yield and weight of 1000 grain were determined. Application method of CCC and amidosulfuron did not influence weed control and wheat yielding. Weed control and wheat stem shortage were related to the application date of examined products. Later application resulted in a slightly weaker reduction of plants height and weed regulation.

A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Cohorts in a School Library Media Specialist Graduate Program: A Preliminary Study

School Library Media Specialist training via distance education is of interest to library community which is seeking to stem shortage of school library personnel. However, effectiveness of distance education compared to face-to-face delivery has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study compares one graduate-level School Library Media Specialist program delivered both through online and face-to-face instructional delivery methods. We found that, for most part, two student cohorts (distance and face-to-face) performed equally in areas demonstrating content knowledge. However, online cohort earned fewer points than face-to-face cohort on some project activities demonstrating difficulty in relating intricacies of project work via an online course. This study suggests that delivery of School Library Media Specialist training can be conducted through an online format if attention is paid to communicating details of project based work. Challenges of Online Distance Education Beginning as correspondence courses in 1 888, distance education (DE) in library profession has evolved though stages of traveling faculty members, televised courses, and satellite communications to Internet or online courses' in an attempt to reach authences that are not well served by traditional delivery methods.2 Today, the Internet has become a regular part of education of next generation of library and information professionals.3 Over years, researchers have examined many facets of DE4 and, more specifically, importance of online DE in library and information science (LIS) programs.5 They have found several barriers to effective online DE programs including technology problems, isolation of students, limited access to library resources, pressures of personal commitments, inflexible instructors, and unclear course requirements and instructor expectations.6 Researchers have focused on four major issues: effectiveness of programs, learner perceptions, learner attributes, and delivery technologies.7 A great deal of current research on DE centers on last three issues,8 especially on student attitudes and community-building. Developing a sense of community and fostering positive student perceptions are essential elements in providing successful online educational experiences9 and a number of researchers have explored this. Combining delivery technologies with community building, Nicholson explored development of communication scaffolds through technology selection.10 The evaluation of program effectiveness, fourth issue, presents some serious problems for researchers. Although a number of studies have shown that DE courses in general are comparable or superior to face-to-face (F2F) instruction, online distance education programs are often perceived by library employers and other professionals as inferior to traditional programs.12 Contributing to this perception is fact that many of studies of DE were based on older televised or satellite delivery modes and not on Internet delivery. A comprehensive review of research on teaching courses online did not reveal much discussion of evaluation in online courses.13 The majority of research on learning outcomes in cognitive domain in online courses has used examinations (especially midterms and finals) as a basis for comparison.14 Mandinach maintains that effective evaluation of on-line DE must rely on development of new forms of assessment to measure both knowledge and skills.15 It would be difficult to create randomly assigned treatment and control groups, ensuring equivalent groups, because of diverse and unknown characteristics of online student populations.16 Thus assessment of online DE must include rubrics, and instruction must provide detailed explanations of all assignments with examples of acceptable and unacceptable work.17 As Lorenzetti points out, with online DE must come a great focus on accountability. …

Getting on to the register is a job in itself

I have just written to my local paper regarding an article published last week. The front page was dominated by a story entitled ‘Filipino nurses stem shortage’. That is fine by me, taut it declared that, ‘last year more than 3,000 Filipino nurses registered with the UKCC to nurse in this country’ and that ‘health officials in South Cumbria have to prove that they have tried every avenue to recruit nurses from within Britain before they can recruit nurses from elsewhere in the world’.