ERM Work in Progress (WIP): “It allowed me to see a whole different world”: Student researchers’ perceptions of the value of interdisciplinary research teams

Engineering Education research teams are often interdisciplinary, bringing both benefits and challenges to groups of individuals with various backgrounds. However, it is unknown how student members of EER teams value interdisciplinary collaborations. The purpose of this study is to examine student researchers’ perspectives on the value of contributing to an interdisciplinary research team that is outside of the students’ core discipline. Using the epistemic identity framework as a lens, we constructed a composite narrative drawing on data from multiple student members of two research teams to present their perceptions on the value of participation in EER teams. Findings highlight how participants understand the benefits of exposure to various disciplines and methodological approaches and the positive effects of collaboration on identity development that come from their engagement in interdisciplinary research contexts. Results from this study provide a needed student perspective within the literature and underscore the need for increased opportunities on EER teams for undergraduates in disciplines outside of their primary area of study.