Morgan State University
Morgan State University — Research Study

Thriving in STEM

Supporting Black Undergraduate Students' Wellbeing,
Identity, and Persistence in STEM Education

Researchers at Morgan State University are seeking Black undergraduate STEM students to participate in a focus group study exploring the experiences, challenges, and supports that shape student wellbeing and success in STEM programs.

Receive a $25 Gift Card for Participation
Apply to Participate Learn More
Black undergraduate STEM students
The Research

About the Study

STEM education systems are often not designed with Black students' identities, experiences, and wellbeing in mind.

This research seeks to better understand what helps Black STEM students thrive, persist, and succeed despite the challenges they may encounter throughout their academic journey.

Through a series of focus groups, participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and help inform future approaches to supporting student wellbeing in STEM education.

Eligibility

Who Can Participate?

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

  • Identity Identify as Black or African American
  • Enrollment Status Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
  • Field of Study Pursuing a STEM-related major or field of study
  • University Attend one of the participating universities
  • Availability Willing to participate in at least one 60-minute focus group discussion
What to Expect

What Participation Involves

If selected, participation is straightforward and designed to fit around your academic schedule.

  • 01

    Complete a brief registration and consent process

  • 02

    Participate in a 1-on-1 individual interview or focus group with fellow Black STEM students

  • 03

    Share experiences related to wellbeing, identity, belonging, and success in STEM

  • 04

    Receive a $25 gift card for each participation instance

Participation is completely voluntary.

The Process

What Happens Next?

  1. Submit Interest Form

    Complete the form below to express your interest

  2. Eligibility Review

    Our team reviews your submission

  3. Complete Consent Form

    Review and sign the IRB consent form

  4. Schedule Session

    Choose a focus group time that works for you

  5. Participate & Receive Incentive

    Join the session and receive your $25 gift card

Apply Now

Interested in Participating?

Thank you for your interest in participating in this research study. Please complete the form below to share your information and determine your eligibility. A member of our research team will follow up regarding next steps.

Your Privacy Matters

Privacy & Confidentiality

Participant privacy is important to us.

All participants will complete a consent process before participating. Information shared during the study will be handled in accordance with university research standards and IRB-approved research protocols.

Participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time.

Note: Additional IRB-approved language may be added here. This section is editable.

The Researchers

Meet the Research Team

Dr. Roni Ellington — Morgan State University

Roni Ellington, PhD

Principal Investigator

Morgan State University

Dr. Roni Ellington is a researcher, educator, and leader committed to understanding and improving the experiences of Black students in STEM education. Her work focuses on identity, wellbeing, belonging, and creating educational environments where students can thrive.

Nathaniel Maukle — Morgan State University

Carozone Nafula Sitati

Research Assistant

Morgan State University

Carozone Nafula Sitati is a PhD student in Education with a concentration in Science Education at Morgan State University. Her research interests focus on in-service science teachers preparedness to support girls participation and engagement in STEM. Building on more than a decade of experience teaching biological sciences in Kenya, her work explores educational inequities and the barriers that can limit girls opportunities in STEM. She is interested in how students perceptions of themselves and their learning environments can promote equitable success in STEM education.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The focus group session will last approximately 60 minutes. Additionally, you may be asked to participate in an additional 60-minute individual interview.

  • Yes. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for each participation instance. For example, if a student completes both a focus group and an individual interview, they will receive $25 gift card per session, receiving a total of $50 total.

  • No. Participation is completely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without penalty.

  • Information collected will be used for research purposes only and managed according to IRB-approved research protocols. Your privacy is protected throughout the process.

  • Eligible students will be contacted by our research team with next steps regarding the consent process and session scheduling.