HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Undergraduate Research Experiences in Machine Learning for First Generation Students

HSI实施和评估项目：第一代学生在机器学习方面的本科生研究经验在不断改进的本科生STEM教育：拉美裔服务机构(HSI计划)的支持下，这个Track 2项目旨在开发、实施和评估一个为期一年的计划，为第一代(FG)本科生提供与机器学习相关的研究机会。相对较少的本科生研究项目专门针对FG学生。参与者将在教师导师的指导下进行研究项目，并参加以研究技能、当前研究主题以及如何申请研究生院和工作为重点的研讨会。此外，该计划还将包括参与学习社区，在那里计划参与者可以一起工作，交流想法，并使用共享的资源。将大力鼓励与会者在区域和国家一级的会议上介绍他们的研究成果和经验。他们还将参加一个实践工作坊，学习机器学习和设计/构建自动化系统的工作模型。预计这些经历将为FG学生在研究生院和/或与解决问题和机器学习相关的职业生涯做好准备。本项目将提供一个机会，对从事本科生研究的第一代学生的交叉身份和需求进行研究。虽然针对本科生的STEM研究计划以及帮助第一代学生在大学和STEM学科取得成功的计划已经发表了很多工作，但相对较少的工作专门关注FG本科生参与STEM研究计划的需求。然而，选择参加STEM研究项目的第一代本科生可能与不选择从事研究的FG学生有不同的需求和优势。他们也可能不同于参加本科生研究的连续一代(CG)学生。因此，FG研究人员成功所需的支持类型可能与FG非研究人员或CG研究人员所需的支持类型不同。预期结果包括1)更好地了解FG本科研究人员的具体需求以及如何帮助他们取得成功；2)参与者的研究和解决问题的技能、与研究相关的机器学习知识、对与研究相关的职业和如何为他们做准备的认识以及提高自我效能；3)接受研究生项目或提供与研究相关的工作；4)在与研究相关的期刊和会议记录上发表文章；5)项目参与者的保留率和毕业率超过所在机构STEM的其他第一代学生的平均水平。HSI计划旨在加强本科生STEM教育和HSI的能力建设。HSI计划支持的项目也将产生关于如何实现这些目标的新知识。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Undergraduate Research Experiences in Machine Learning for First Generation Students With support from the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program), this Track 2 project aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a year-long program to provide machine learning-related research opportunities to first generation (FG) undergraduate STEM students. Relatively few undergraduate research programs have specifically targeted FG students. Participants will work on a research project with a faculty mentor, and participate in workshops focusing on research skills, current research topics, and how to apply for graduate school and jobs. Additionally, the program experience will also include participation in a learning community where program participants can work together, exchange ideas, and use shared resources. Participants will be strongly encouraged to present their research findings and experiences at regional and national level conferences. They will also attend a hands-on workshop to learn about machine learning and design/build a working model of an automated system. It is expected that these experiences will prepare FG students for success in graduate school and/or in careers related to problem-solving and machine learning.This project will provide an opportunity to conduct research on intersectional identities and needs of first-generation students who engage in undergraduate research. Although much work has been published on STEM research programs for undergraduate students, as well as on programs to help first generation students be successful in college and in STEM subjects, relatively little work has focused specifically on the needs of FG undergraduate participants in STEM research programs. However, first generation undergraduates who choose to participate in a STEM research program may have different needs and strengths than FG students who do not choose to engage in research. They are also likely different from continuing generation (CG) students who participate in undergraduate research. As a result, the types of support that FG researchers need to be successful may be different from the support needed by FG non-researchers or CG researchers. Expected outcomes include 1) a better understanding of the specific needs of FG undergraduate researchers and how to help them be successful; 2) increases in participants’ research and problem-solving skills, knowledge of machine learning as related to research, awareness of research-related careers and how to prepare for them, and increased self-efficacy; 3) acceptance into graduate programs or offers for research-related jobs; 4) publications in research-related journals and conference proceedings; 5) retention and graduation rates for program participants that exceed the average for other first generation students in STEM at their institution. The HSI Program aims to enhance undergraduate STEM education and build capacity at HSIs. Projects supported by the HSI Program will also generate new knowledge on how to achieve these aims.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.