Research Symposium

BIO

Danielle Moody is a sophomore at Florida State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Public Administration. Her academic interests are particularly focused on aquatic law and marine conservation. After completing her research, Danielle aims to practice law, with a long-term goal of reforming current policies to better protect aquatic animals and ecosystems. Throughout her academic career, Danielle has been actively involved in various organizations that align with her environmental passions. She has participated in FSU Sustainable's Eco-Representative program and served as an officer in the Seminoles SCUBA Club. Additionally, Danielle is a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honors Society and holds an executive council position in Alpha Gamma Delta. Beyond her academic and organizational commitments, Danielle has a deep affection for the beach and is an avid SCUBA diver.

Unearthing Inequity: Surveying Collegiate Students in order to Discover the Factors Driving Attrition Rates in Geoscience Fields

Abstract

What are the factors driving the spike in attrition rates in geoscience fields, and how can surveys targeting collegiate students be utilized to study this spike? The original project was entitled “Bridging the Gap Between Geosciences and Underprivileged Communities.” The main goal of this project was to design a summer camp field trip for underprivileged communities. Data for this project was collected through surveying an optional camping field trip in one of the environmental science major classes. The field trip was open to all FSU students, and there was no fee in order to go on the trip. While collecting data, a gap was discovered between collegiate students in the geoscience field that can be correlated to student attrition rates seen in the major. The factors made apparent in the study include but are not limited to differences in experience and backgrounds in regards to geoscience connections, gender, race, age, and financial situation. This can relate to the decline in geoscience enrollment and continuation of programs in geoscience. The findings discovered within this project can be used to explain why collegiate students are leaving the geoscience field or are not interested entirely. This impacts future generations of environmental scientists and leaders, as well as visions for any improvements or incentives for careers in geosciences.

Keywords: Collegiate Attrition Rates in Geoscience