Using a Social Capital Theoretical Framework to Address Individual and Institutional Capacity for Diversity in Science and Medicine

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my lecturer who has always shown confidence in me. He has offered his patience, remarks, propositions and understanding. Here I would also like to mention my parents who have always believed in me for all my hard work. My family, including my parents, brother and sister have endlessly supported me during my life and academics. This has helped me in making positive decisions for my life. I would also mention my peers and co-workers and appreciate their collaboration and expert advice on every circumstance. I am also grateful towards my University and my Department, the administrators, faculty members and fellow students for their support throughout this study.

DECLARATION

I declare that the material stated in this dissertation/thesis is original and does not present work of any other scholar or research study conducted in the past. Material in this study is not partially or completely published elsewhere and collected only for the purpose of this study. I also acknowledge that I have complete understanding of the requirements, guidelines, regulations and procedures of the University with respect to the endowment of higher education degree and my research work. Here, I would also like to take the opportunity to declare that I have almost exclusively followed the requirements, guidelines, regulations and procedures of the University regarding this research study.

I certify that the work presented in the dissertation is my own unless referenced

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ABSTRACT

Social Capital Theory states that resources both actual and prospective are inherently linked to networks. Therefore, a basic tenet of Social Capital theory is that 'relationships matter'. In the academic research realm strong mentorship relationships and collaborative research networks are critical elements in developing an individual's capacity for a strong research career. However, racial and underrepresented minorities are often bereft of basic social capital because they lack proper mentorships and are often not a part of "inner" circles of biomedical research. Social Capital is also important to developing organization capacity to support diversity. In this dissertation, social capital theory is examined through the lens of three pipeline initiatives targeting the high school, undergraduate, graduate and junior investigator level populations. The particular form of social capital to be examined is knowledge needed to navigate the pathway for science and medicine careers. The outcomes of these three initiatives known as 1) E-matching 2) achieving Successful Productive Academic Research Careers (SPARC) and 3) Mentoring in Medicine will be examined as part of three manuscripts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Overview1

Research Purpose3

Research Objectives4

Research Question4

Background4

STEM Pipeline Disparities4

Responses to Low Participation and Performance in STEM8

STEM workforce development9

K-12 STEM education10

STEM educational efforts in higher education12

Diversity in Science Education and Access18

Need for Science Outreach Programs20

Definition of Terms21

Structure of the thesis23

CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK LOGIC MODEL25

Foundation of Social Capital25

Origins of Social Capital28

Definition of Social Capital29

Definition in Context for This Study30

How is Social Capital Measured and Used?32

Institutional Agents of Capital33

Measurement and Use of Social Capital35

Social Capital in the Context ...