GDSE/DEM: Women at CENS: A Research System

加州大学洛杉矶分校嵌入式网络传感中心（CENS）提议设计一个典型的本科生研究经验，最大限度地发挥其他本科生研究项目的特征和组成部分，这些特征和组成部分最有效地促进了女性对科学和工程的长期承诺。该设计将基于对迄今为止实施的本科生研究经验（REU）的许多例子的调查，并基于REU已发表的研究和评估结果。该项目将展示一个“REU最佳实践”模型。CENS之所以选择工程学、计算机科学和物理科学作为重点学科，是因为女性在这三个博士领域的代表性较低。学生将从米尔斯学院（Mills College）和哈维马德学院（Harvey Mudd College）与加州大学洛杉矶分校工程与多样性卓越中心（Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity）合作招募。人们普遍认为REU对学生来说是一种重要的积极体验，但其原因尚不清楚。该项目将通过在中央科学学院开展女生项目来检验其模式，并对结果进行评估。对学生的预期结果包括：增加动手技能和研究经验；提高团队合作能力，解决问题的能力，表达能力和项目内容的能力；增强自信心，增强对各自学科的积极态度；申请和参与本科生科研经历的人数增加；通过毕业提高各自学科的保留率；增加了对研究生学习的兴趣和参与。该项目将采用系统方法作为目前在全国各机构实施的方案的三个主要组成部分的框架：环境：为女性本科生提供具有直接社会影响（如环境、安全、教育）的领导研究经验的研究环境。研究环境和社会影响之间的联系产生了一种媒介，通过这种媒介可以成功地进行招聘。经验：研究经验的结构，以促进学生成功和富有成效的成果。3. 参与：一个重要的支持结构，以确保每个学生的学术和社会融合。本项目提出的示范方案将有助于更全面地了解哪种参与策略对妇女最有效。更广泛的影响：这项工作将为工程、物理科学和计算机科学本科研究项目的教师和管理人员提供工具，帮助他们为学生开发成功的本科研究项目，特别是对女学生有效。

University of California Los Angeles, Center for Embedded Networked Sensing (CENS), proposes to design a model undergraduate research experience maximizing those features and components of other undergraduate research programs that are most effective in promoting women's longer-term commitment to science and engineering. The design will be based on a survey of many examples of research experiences for undergraduates (REU's) implemented to date, and, based on published research and evaluation results of REU's. The project will exhibit a model of "REU best practices." CENS has chosen the disciplines of engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences to focus efforts because of the low representation of women in these three doctoral fields. Students will be recruited from Mills College and Harvey Mudd College, in partnership with the UCLA Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity.It is widely accepted that REU's are a significant positive experience for students, but the reasons why are not well known. The project will test its model by conducting a program for female students at CENS, and evaluate the results. The expected outcomes for students include: increased hands-on skill set and research experience; improved teamwork, problem-solving, presentation, and content skills as identified by project; improved self-confidence and increased positive attitudes towards respective disciplines; increased number applying for and participating in undergraduate research experiences; increased retention through graduation in respective disciplines; and increased interest and participation in pursuing graduate study.The project will use a systems approach as a framework for the three main components of programs currently being implemented at institutions across the country:1. Environment: A research environment that offers women undergraduates experiences in leading research with direct societal implications (e.g., environmental, safety, educational). The connection between the research environment and the societal implications generates a medium through which successful recruitment can occur.2. Experience: A research experience structured so as to promote successful and productive outcomes for students. 3. Engagement: A vital support structure to ensure academic and social integration for each student. The model program proposed in this project will allow for a more comprehensive understanding regarding which engagement strategies are most effective for women.Broader impacts: The work will provide faculty members and administrators of undergraduate research programs in engineering, physical sciences and computer science with tools for developing successful undergraduate research programs for their students, with particular effectiveness for female students.