Understanding How Undergraduate Students Sense of Belonging Contributes to Their Persistence in a Biology Major

Identifier

236

Author

Sedra Sous

Date

2023

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Major

Biology

Committee Chair

Jaime L. Sabel

Abstract

To understand Black and African American students' experiences as they progressed through the biology major, we conducted semi-structured interviews to determine why students either persist or leave the biology major at the University of Memphis. Students were asked about their experiences as a biology major; their classroom environment; experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion; their persistence or departure from the biology major, and their sense of belonging with students and faculty in the program. My work focused on understanding the factors that caused students to feel like they had a sense of belonging within the biology major. Through exploratory analysis, I identified factors that contribute to a student's sense of belonging or lack thereof. Results from this study will contribute to the field by elaborating how these specific factors can influence students.

Comments

Undergraduate Honor's Thesis

Library Comment

Honors thesis originally submitted to the Local University of Memphis Honor’s Thesis Repository.

Notes

Data is provided by the student.

Recommended Citation

Sous, Sedra, "Understanding How Undergraduate Students Sense of Belonging Contributes to Their Persistence in a Biology Major" (2023). Honors Theses. 150.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/honors_theses/150