Ad
visors: Dr. John Swallow and Dr. Laurel Hartley
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Science Bld 4127
STEM Laboratory Experiences and Sense of Belonging Among International Graduate Students
The U.S. higher education system is widely recognized for its high-quality scientific research and diverse career opportunities, making it a top destination for international students. International graduate students play a critical role in STEM research, contributing approximately $39 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Despite these contributions, their experiences of belonging and identity development remain uneven. During their transition, international students often face cultural, academic, and social challenges, including experiences of exclusion that may affect their sense of belonging, science identity and academic outcome. Given that graduate students spend a significant portion of their time in research environment, this study examines how STEM laboratory environments shape international graduate students’ sense of belonging and science identity. Using an exploratory mixed-methods approach, data were collected from international STEM graduate students across multiple U.S. institutions, with most participants affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver and the Anschutz Medical Campus. Survey data captured patterns in students’ experiences, while semi-structured interviews provided deeper insight into their academic journeys. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach, with iterative coding used to generate themes aligned with the study’s conceptual framework. Preliminary findings from survey responses analysis indicate that while many students report a general sense of belonging within their academic environment, a substantial proportion experience social disconnection, particularly in peer interactions and informal academic space. Mentorship, cultural and linguistic factors, and academic expectations emerged as key influences on belonging and science identity.