The Impact of Authentic Research Experiences in a Nuclear Science Internship on STEM Identity, Sense of Belonging, and Career Aspirations

Attracting and retaining students in STEM fields has been an important topic in higher education. Authentic research experiences have strong potential to enhance students' self-concepts, increase their motivation, and promote long-term persistence in STEM fields by immersing them in real scientific work and building meaningful relationships with mentors. The Multidisciplinary Training Experience in Nuclear Science (MT.ENS) is a joint program between a local primarily undergraduate institution and a DOE national lab. The MT.ENS program provides students with opportunities to engage in nuclear science through academic coursework, laboratory site visits, and a mentored summer research internship. This case study draws on student surveys, reflections, and interviews to investigate the second year of the MT.ENS program in the spring and summer of 2025. It explores how participation has influenced students' STEM identities, sense of belonging, and future aspirations in STEM fields, including specifically in nuclear science. The study also evaluates the program's effectiveness by gathering student feedback on its strengths and areas for improvement to support future implementation. This presentation will share preliminary findings on the impact and efficacy of the MT.ENS program and discuss the role of research experiences in broader STEM education in supporting students and promoting long-term persistence in STEM fields.