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Abstract

This study explores the impact of the "A Step to the Doctorate" (S2D) program on the academic trajectories of undergraduate STEM students, focusing on how it fosters academic success and prepares participants for graduate education. Drawing on data from pre and post surveys and semi structured interviews of 60 participants, the research addresses two primary questions: (1) Which program components do participants find most impactful? Moreover, (2) How has the program influenced their academic aspirations and preparedness for graduate school? The findings highlight that mentorship, peer networking, and targeted workshops are key in boosting academic self-efficacy and enhancing participants’ confidence in the graduate school application process. These components have significantly shaped participants' academic trajectories by demystifying the application process, improving research skills, building a sense of community, and increasing motivation to pursue graduate education. The study also identifies areas for improvement, such as refining the program pacing and extending outreach efforts to reach students earlier in their academic careers. These insights offer valuable recommendations for improving bridge programs, particularly for underrepresented students, and enhancing diversity in graduate education.

Biography

Faika Jan is a Sociology Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech. Her research explores intersectionality, migration, and higher education, focusing on marginalized identities. She examines how global political and institutional structures shape experiences of underrepresented groups in U.S. academia, especially international women and students with disabilities.

Dr. Tremayne O. Waller directs Graduate Student Programs at Virginia Tech. He founded the A Step to the Doctorate Institute, supporting STEM graduate transitions. Previously at Cornell, he led diversity initiatives. His Ph.D. research focused on engineering student transitions, shaping pathways for graduate student success and retention.

Dr. Sherif E. Abdelhamid is an Assistant Professor at VMI. He earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. His research spans computing, STEM education, and public health, focusing on high-performance services, educational technologies, and social network analysis of complex systems.

Travis Chan received his B.S. in Computer Science, majoring in Data-Centric Computing and minoring in Human-Computer Interaction and Mathematics, from Virginia Tech. He is currently a graduate student working toward a M.Eng. in Computer Science and Applications from Virginia Tech.

Cynthia Hampton’s work includes behavior and change in engineering education, broadening participation, grant writing, faculty change agents, and complex system dynamics. She has a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from Kansas State University, an M.S. in Management Systems Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech.

Thomas Nelson, III, from Fairfax, Virginia, earned his M.S. in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech and his B.S. in manufacturing engineering from Virginia State University. As an underrepresented STEM graduate, he advocates for students from similar backgrounds to access educational opportunities and prepare for academic success.

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