The Impacts of a Nuclear Science Internship Program on Students' Science Identity Construction, Self-Efficacy, and Career Aspirations

Undergraduate research experiences offer students a valuable opportunity to collaborate with professors, refine research skills, and gain insight into the practical applications of their physics education. These experiences also have the potential to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate a student's identity as a capable scientist. In the context of nuclear science, a group of researchers established the Multidisciplinary Training Experience in Nuclear Science (Mt. ENS) program, placing undergraduate research at its core. This presentation will present an initial evaluation of the Mt. ENS program, focusing on the comprehensive impact of research involvement and accompanying support on participating students. Specifically, insights from a mixed methods study will illuminate participants' perceptions of engaging in scientific inquiry, particularly within the realm of nuclear science data measurement. We will discuss how students construct their identities as scientists, assess their self-efficacy in scientific endeavors, and contemplate their career aspirations through coursework, laboratory experiences, and program activities. Moreover, preliminary findings will explore how students navigate their various identities in relation to societal perceptions of scientists, and how the program's community and culture influence their sense of belonging both within the program and in the broader scientific community.