Abstract
This instrumental case study (Stake, 1995) explores the external factors that influence international science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) postdoctoral scholars in the United States to pursue a career in STEM. Interviews with 20 international STEM postdoctoral scholars were analyzed deductively to shed light on their unique backgrounds and experiences. Three themes emerged: (a) parents were highly encouraging, (b) a love of science was nurtured in school, and (c) they were eager to engage in and promote scientific innovation. These findings illustrate the ways in which family, schools, and community influence the STEM career trajectories of international postdoctoral scholars.
Keywords
international postdoctoral scholars, STEM careers, career decisions
ORCID Identifiers
Kathryn J. Watson: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2062-2849
Sylvia L. Mendez: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7723-4401
DOI
10.5038/2577-509X.8.2.1330
Recommended Citation
Watson, K. J., & Mendez, S. L. (2024). “In my blood”: External factors for international stem postdoctoral scholars’ career decisions. Journal of Global Education and Research, 8(2), 103-115. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/2577-509X.8.2.1330
Creative Commons License
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Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Psychology Commons
