Clemson professor launches rural science student study with NSF grant

A Clemson University professor will use a National Science Foundation award to examine why rural students stay in life science majors. Darris Means, professor of educational leadership, received the grant to identify the specific assets, resources, and networks that help these students reach their final year of study. The project aims to shift the focus from deficits to strengths in rural science education.

Means plans to recruit six undergraduate researchers from rural communities to help design and interpret the study. These student partners will come from Clemson University, the University of Georgia, and the University of North Georgia. They will assist in collecting data and developing practical outputs for academic advisors. Means stated that involving students with direct experience improves the quality of the research.

The core of the investigation involves interviewing 40 rural students who have persisted into the final year of a life-science program. Existing data shows a widening gap in STEM interest between rural and suburban students as they progress through school. While ninth graders show similar interest levels, the disparity grows by the 11th grade and continues after high school. This trend suggests that challenges emerge during the transition to college rather than at the start of secondary education.

Means intends to use participatory action research methods to document what enables specific students to succeed against these trends. His research partners include Julie Stanton from the University of Georgia, Jori Hall from the University of Illinois, and Sonja Ardoin from Clemson University. The team will produce webinars and briefs to help faculty recognize and leverage the strengths rural students bring to their programs.

Means brings extensive experience in rural education outreach to this project. He currently serves as president-elect designate of the National Rural Education Association. He also holds a position as a Jackie Bezos Researcher-in-Residence at the Bezos Foundation. In that role, he helps shape the foundation’s research agenda and directs its investments. His work seeks to provide faculty with clearer tools to mentor rural students effectively.