REU Site: Increasing Statistical Preparation in Research Education for Underrepresented Undergraduates

该项目由社会，行为和经济科学局（SBE）的本科生研究经验（REU）网站计划资助。它具有科学和社会效益，并整合了研究和教育。REU网站“为代表性不足的本科生增加研究教育中的统计准备”（INSPIRE U2计划）将招募和培训24名代表性不足的女学生进行大数据统计分析。预计这一举措将：1）提高学生对高级学位课程的兴趣; 2）为学生提供支持和指导; 3）作为进入高级学位课程的管道。每个学生将有机会进行独立的研究项目，并在这样做，学生将开发的技能，信心和灵感，追求科学内先进的统计机会。主要创新包括：1）合并两种循证培训方法; 2）灵活应用知识的培训; 3）在真实的世界背景下分析数据; 4）一对一的强化指导和支持。该项目将对科学，政策和社会产生重大影响，增加妇女和少数民族在统计和数据分析领域的代表性，并提高科学研究的严谨性。有色人种和少数民族的妇女不太可能在统计领域从事职业，因为缺乏独特的激励机会和大学环境中的适当支持。因此，在统计调查中迫切需要不同的观点，因为这种多样性对教育和社会都有好处。REU网站的主要目的是满足这一需求。每年，在三年内，大约有8名代表性不足的女大学生将接受统计方案和分析技术的培训，包括通常不包括在本科课程中的现代技术。学生将在实验室与教师导师进行研究，并开发自己的研究问题，进行数据分析以回答他们的研究问题，并准备海报和口头演示。最后，学生将参加活动，以促进合作行为，如学生导师，教师导师，小组讨论，专业发展活动，和实地考察。总体目标是使受过统计知识和技能培训的个人多样化，从而加强科学工作者队伍。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project is funded from the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites program in the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE). It has both scientific and societal benefits, and it integrates research and education. The REU Site "Increasing Statistical Preparation in Research Education for Underrepresented Undergraduates" (INSPIRE U2 Program) will recruit and train 24 underrepresented female students in statistical analyses of big data. It is expected that this initiative will: 1) increase student interest in advanced degree programs; 2) provide support and mentorship to students; and 3) serve as a pipeline for entry into advanced degree programs. Each student will have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project, and in doing so, students will develop the skills, confidence, and inspiration to pursue advanced statistics opportunities within the sciences. Key innovations include: 1) the merging of two evidence-based training approaches; 2) training in the flexible application of knowledge; 3) analysis of data in real world contexts; and 4) intensive one-on-one mentoring and support. The project will have significant impact on science, policy, and society by increasing representation of women and ethnic minorities in statistical and data analysis fields and enhancing the rigor with which scientific research is conducted.Women of color and minorities are less likely to pursue careers in statistical fields because of lack of uniquely stimulating opportunities and appropriate support within the college environment. Thus, there is a critical need for diverse perspectives in statistical inquiry because there are educational and societal benefits to such diversity. The primary aim of the REU site is to address this need. Each year, for 3 years, approximately 8 underrepresented undergraduate female students who are rising sophomores will receive training in statistical programs and analytical techniques, including modern techniques not commonly included in the undergraduate curriculum. Students will engage in research in a lab with a faculty mentor and develop their own research question, conduct data analyses to answer their research question, and prepare a poster and oral presentation. Finally, students will participate in activities to promote collaborative behavior such as student mentorship, faculty mentorship, panel discussions, professional development activities, and field trips. The overarching goal is diversification among trained individuals with statistical knowledge and skills, leading to the enhancement of the scientific workforce.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.