Danika Iosty ’28 Researches Youth STEM Identities with NH-LIFT Grant

NH-LIFT Grant

Danika Iosty ’28: Psychology and Social Work major

There are countless publications catered to a college-aged interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - but hardly any that discuss an early intrigue in the field. Enter Danika Iosty ’28: a Psychology and Social Work major looking to change the narrative. With the guidance of Professor Kevin Doran, Ph.D., Iosty spent the summer observing STEM identities of middle and high schoolers who participated in a STEM summer camp. Iosty worked to survey and code students' responses to questions pre and post camp. Next year through a comprehensive literature review, Iosty plans to analyze student self-portraits that reflect on their self-perception through a STEM context. Her findings could engage students from groups that are commonly underrepresented in the field.

Over the summer, Iosty’s primary mission remained the same - to uncover truths that could help others succeed. When students were asked if they felt they belong in, could succeed in, and would like a career in STEM, Iosty was there pen in hand to collect this important data. Despite future-shaping aspirational factors that happen at this point a student’s life (such as developing educational and career interests), not much research has been collected on STEM identity in this age group. The lack of studies in this area makes Iosty’s work even more impactful, innovative, and informative. Her thoughtful research plays a pivotal role in the transformation of science education for the next generation of STEM.

The National Science Foundation funded NH-LIFT Grant made it possible for Iosty to conduct this outstanding research. The NH-LIFT Grant is dedicated to funding new research opportunities for students in New Hampshire, specifically at smaller colleges like Saint Anselm. The grant aims to foster collaboration between students and educational institutes to build a bigger base of STEM educated graduates in the state.

“We see Iosty as a long-term collaborator and future co-author in the research project,” said Professor Kevin Doran, Ph.D. “That wouldn’t have happened without the opportunity that the NH-LIFT Grant provided.”