The proposed research is part of the Leuven Engineering & Science Education Centre, under the unit “Study career guidance”. Our goal is to enhance the first-year experience and success of new students in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) by developing tools and interventions for improved study guidance. For an overview of previous and current research projects, visit our website.
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Project

The PhD student will investigate the social and academic integration of new students in STEM and the challenges faced by minorities (e.g., first-generation students, women, apprenticeship students) during the transition to higher education. The responsibilities include:

• Developing and validating instruments to measure social and academic integration of these students;
• Collecting quantitative and qualitative data on social and academic integration of students before and after implementing innovative interventions designed to improve social and academic integration of new STEM students;
• Investigating the effectiveness of various interventions related to improving social and academic integration, well-being, and perceived support of the target groups;
• Optimizing the innovative interventions to enhance their effectiveness.

Profile

• A Master’s degree (cum laude/distinction) in a STEM domain with a strong interest in education and inclusion, or a Master’s degree in Educational or Social Sciences with a strong interest in STEM;
• Highly motivated, meticulous, and creative;
• Strong statistical knowledge and excellent communication and planning skills;
• Excellent knowledge of English and good understanding of Dutch. Fluency in Dutch is highly recommended, and knowledge of French is a bonus;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Offer

• A 2-year PhD fellowship, conditionally extendable up to 4 years;
• The PhD start date is in January 2025.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Carolien Van Soom at carolien.vansoom@kuleuven.be or Dr. Lynn Van den Broeck at lynn.vandenbroeck@kuleuven.be.

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