Research Projects

RESET – Research on Equity in Science, Engineering, and Technology

Drawing on U.S. and other national data as well as three interrelated evaluation studies on materials science and engineering in a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) setting, this initiative focuses on how ability beliefs, active learning, mentoring and research opportunities, and supportive social contexts influence persistence toward STEM research careers, with a focus on broadening participation in science, engineering, and technology in higher education and postsecondary careers. This project builds on past and ongoing research on STEM equity and opportunity. These studies draw on national cohort data and original data, with possibilities for expansion and collaboration, as well as building capacity among graduate students. See also news on latest funded project (2019-2022).

HEPP – Higher Education Persistence Pathways

In affiliation with FSU’s CPS and Temple’s Hope postsecondary research centers, this initiative investigates the structures and supports which can foster postsecondary student success among underrepresented students, especially women, Black and Latino students, and low-income students who may also be the first-generation in their family to go to college. This research draws on sociological and life course frameworks to understand constraints and opportunities which can contribute to longer-term outcomes. Teaching-inspired and service partnerships also contribute to assessment and evaluation projects under this umbrella, especially those with a social justice orientation. Recent work includes a randomized control study of a rent-free housing intervention at Florida universities, in partnership with the HOPE lab.

LAST – Latin@/x Aspirations, Success, and Transitions

A Latin@/x focus under the Higher Education Persistence Pathways umbrella includes projects on Latinx community spaces, school contexts, transitions to college, and gender.

Current and Past Funding:

Perez-Felkner, Lara C.(PI) and Hu, Shouping (Co-PI). Gendered Pathways: From Florida’s Two-Year Institutions to Computing Degrees. National Science Foundation, Award # 1920670. 3 YR grant: $900,749. Press release here.

Perez-Felkner, Lara C. (Jul 2018–Jun 2020). Education for Life. Funded by ECMC Foundation; subaward from Temple University: $82,703.

Perez-Felkner, Lara C. (PI). (Sep 2017–Aug 2022). CREST Center for Complex Materials Design (CoManD) for Multidimensional Additive Processing. Funded by Florida A & M University. (C-4967). Total award Y1 $37,434. Total Y1-5 $114,000.

Perez-Felkner, Lara C. (2017–2018). Seed Grant. Funded by Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching, and Innovation (CHERTI). Total award $17,000.

Perez-Felkner, Lara C. (PI). (Dec 2016–Dec 2019). Broadening Participation Evaluation Study: RISE: High-Performance Manufacturing of Composite Structures via Development of Reconfigurable Cyber-Physical Robotic (CPR) Systems. Funded by Florida A & M University (subaward); National Science Foundation. Total award $44,999.

Perez-Felkner, L. (Aug 2016–Jul 2019). Broadening Participation Evaluation: HBCU-UP Targeted Infusion Project: Enhancement of Materials Science Education through Active Learning at Florida A&M University. Funded by Florida A & M University (consultancy contract); National Science Foundation. (NSF #1623206). Total award $25,000.

Bertrand Jones, Tamara (Co-PI), Hu, Shouping (PI), Park, Toby J (Co-PI), & Perez-Felkner, Lara C. (Co-PI). (Nov 2016–Dec 2019). Center for Postsecondary Success FL Measurement and Evaluation Partnership. Funded by Gates Learning Foundation. (OPP1161017). Total award $1,098,029. * co-PI starting Summer, 2018.

Perez-Felkner, L. C. (Sep 2012–Aug 2015). GSE/RES: Enhancing the Rigor of Evidence on Gendered Differences in STEM Persistence: Female and Male College Students’ Subjective Experiences in Engineering and Computer Science. Funded by NORC – National Organization for Research at the University of Chicago. (5849-FSU). Total award $47,466.

Perez-Felkner, L. C. (May 2013–Aug 2013). FYAP: Comparing Gendered Differences in U.S. and Cambodian Students Participation in STEM. Funded by FSU CRC. Total award $20,000.

Schneider, B., & Perez-Felkner, L. C. (2012–2015). NSF GSE/RES: Enhancing the Rigor of Evidence on Gendered Differences in STEM Persistence: Female and Male College Students’ Subjective Experiences in Engineering and Computer Science. Funded by National Science Foundation. Total award $523,333.

Perez-Felkner, L. C. (2011–2013). AERA Research Grant: The Role of Perceived Regard on the College Persistence of Underrepresented Minorities. Funded by American Educational Research Association. Total award $32,665.