Background Overview

• The aim of the NSF AGEP TxARM Social Science research program (2021- 2023) is to advance knowledge about TxARM programming, connect with AGEP Alliances (past, present, and future), and implement institutional transformation (locally, regionally, and nationally).
• The focus of the NSF AGEP TxARM Social Science research program (2017- 2021) was to study the overlap of social pain cognitions (perceptions) with physical pain mechanisms (processing) that exists among healthy, educated, financially stable adults living in the Southwest, as well as the disenfranchised and marginalized members of the U. S. population.
• The timeline of NSF AGEP funding for the TxARM Social Science Studies covers TEN consecutive years:
  • 2021 – 2023 - Collaborative Research Project: AGEP - Social Science Studies for Cohorts and Alliances
  • 2017 – 2021 - Collaborative Research: AGEP - The Texas A&M System (TxARM) Alliance.
  • 2013 – 2019 - Collaborative Research: AGEP - Advancing Interdisciplinary STEM Graduate Education for
                            Underrepresented Minorities in Energy and Sustainability Disciplines.

Major Activities of the TxARM AGEP Social Science Research Team

• The NSF AGEP TxARM Social Science research team completed the THREE proposed experimental studies including one designed and conducted as a mixed methods, self-study specific to the TxARM cohort participants.
• For the undergraduate researchers, these projects provided the opportunities to gain training experience in (1) learning social science research methods and statistical analyses, (2) improving manuscript writing through feedback from graduate mentors and advisors, and (3) presenting research findings to Social Science team members.
• For graduate student researchers, the projects provided the opportunities to mentor undergraduate students and gain training experience in (1) applying for IRB approval and following all ethical protocol, (2) improving manuscript writing through feedback from Co-PI, (3) presenting research findings to Social Science team members and at academic and professional society conferences.
• For graduate student researchers, the projects provided the opportunities to mentor undergraduate students and gain training experience in (1) applying for IRB approval and following all ethical protocol, (2) improving manuscript writing through feedback from Co-PI, (3) presenting research findings to Social Science team members and at academic and professional society conferences.
• For the postdoctoral researcher, the projects provided opportunities to mentor graduate students and undergraduate research assistants involved in the projects.
• For the Lab Director, TxARM Co-PI + Subaward PI, the projects provided opportunities to mentor a direct report - postdoctoral researcher, plus the graduate students and undergraduate research assistants involved in the projects. These responsibilities also created opportunities for collaborations with both TxARM members as well as non-TxARM members. For instance, Dr. Carter-Sowell continued her professional visibility and development as a leader by serving as an invited member of three, active, NSF AGEP Alliance Advisory Boards.

Training and Mentoring (Years 1 - 6)

Conclusion

• Created opportunities for collaborations with both TxARM members as well as non-TxARM members. For instance, the Social Science Research Team members contributed to the editing of two TxARM collaborative manuscripts.
• Generated an audience for the Social Science Research Team members to disseminate findings nationally and on campus, such as the Texas A&M University’s Enhancing Diversity Seminar Speaker Series, with over 70 attendees.
• Achieved the proposed goals for the social science research team to contribute to TxARM model addressing overlapping social pains and physical pains related to ostracism.
• Fostered TxARM cohort participants to develop their academic identities, increase feelings of inclusivity, and visibly benefit from acknowledgments by their peers, colleagues, and mentors.

Acknowledgements

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Cooperative Agreement No. HRD-1723255 and Subaward No. 20005419
• Big 12 Conference Faculty Fellowship Program
• NSF IAspire Leadership Academy Fellow.
• The University of Oklahoma New Leader Development Program
• Texas A&M University Midcareer Faculty Learning Community

Please contact Dr. Carter-Sowell, at email: arcartersowell@ou.edu, for the updated list of dissemination information, as well as any inquires about consulting, recruitment, employment, speaking invitations, and/or searches.