Interdisciplinary research program to inspire underrepresented undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields

This paper describes an interdisciplinary undergraduate research program in STEM fields intended to motivate female students to graduate with STEM degrees. The goal of the dual-role approach is to provide unique mentorship from distinguished technical leaders to female students while the students simultaneously pursue STEM research as a team. The students receive mentorship from distinguished female leaders in STEM fields through conducting an Oral History Project in collaboration with the IEEE History Center. Research results produced by the students are presented at national conferences and published in national conference proceedings, and oral history transcripts of the distinguished leaders are published on the IEEE Global History Network.