Researchers from Boise State University will showcase their latest work on STEM literacy interventions at the upcoming American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 23-27 in Denver, Colorado.
Doctoral candidate Lindsey Wiggins and Katherine Wright, a senior research associate at the University of Oregon and affiliate faculty at Boise State, will present their study, “A Systematic Literature Review of STEM Literacy Interventions for Undergraduate Students.” Their research examines existing strategies for enhancing literacy skills among STEM students and identifies best practices for improving student achievement in STEM fields.
Advancing STEM Education Through Research
The AERA Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of education researchers, bringing together experts to explore innovations in the field. This year’s theme, “Research, Remedy, and Repair: Toward Just Education Renewal,” emphasizes the role of research in fostering equitable and effective education.
“We are excited to share our work with the AERA community,” Wright said. “This opportunity not only highlights the significance of our research but also contributes to the larger discussion on preparing undergraduate students for success in STEM careers.”
A Collaborative Effort for Equity in STEM
The research is part of the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM program, which supports high-achieving, low-income students in engineering and computer science through recruitment, retention and career pathway initiatives. Boise State collaborates with the Idaho National Laboratory, the College of Western Idaho and the College of Southern Idaho on this project.
“Our goal is to create an educational ecosystem that empowers talented, low-income students to reach their potential in STEM,” said David Estrada, principal investigator of the S-STEM award and professor in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. “The selection of Ms. Wiggins and Dr. Wright’s research for AERA underscores its importance in shaping the future of STEM education.”
The study also explores the impact of STEM literacy on students’ professional identity and retention rates in STEM programs. Researchers hypothesize that stronger STEM identities contribute to improved access and persistence in these fields, particularly for students following diverse educational pathways.
About AERA and the Annual Meeting
Founded in 1916, AERA is the leading organization for over 25,000 education researchers worldwide, dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving education through scholarly inquiry. The 2025 AERA Annual Meeting in Denver will feature presentations, keynote speeches, and workshops led by top scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
For more details on the conference, visit aera.net.