Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
First Advisor
Lisa MacFadden
Second Advisor
Beate Wone
Third Advisor
Leah Seurer
Keywords
Mentorship relationships, STEM persistence, models
Subject Categories
Biology
Abstract
While several mentorship interventions for STEM students already exist, persistence and retention in STEM fields remain relatively low. Additionally, there is limited research examining the intersections between aspiring (upward) and inspiring (downward) mentorship roles.
This article aims to address these gaps by examining existing literature and mentorship frameworks, with a focus on how mentorship dynamics influence STEM persistence. Two principal findings emerge from the literature: (1) effective mentorship should be conceptualized as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a hierarchical structure, and (2) the intersection of aspiring and inspiring roles contributes to the development of identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging among participants.
Although these findings provide useful direction for improving mentorship practices, research on dual-role mentorship intersections remain limited. In light of continued challenges in STEM retention and completion, this article proposes that institutions adopt a mentorship ecosystem model as a strategy to enhance student persistence in STEM disciplines.
Recommended Citation
Hoppe, Rayann K., "Leveraging Aspiring and Inspiring Mentorship Relationships to Promote STEM Persistence" (2026). Honors Thesis. 429.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/429