RUSMP researchers, Dr. Danya Corkin and Dr. Adem Ekmekci, presented their study entitled, The Effects of a Culturally Relevant Intervention on Computer Science Motivation among Underrepresented Minority Students in High School Geometry at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). This pilot study found that integrating various forms of culturally relevant instruction in high school geometry had a positive effect on underrepresented minority students' computer science motivation. This paper presentation was one of five selected for a session pertaining to race, gender, and ethnicity in educational contexts.

Dr. Ekmekci also presented a study entitled "Investigating High School Students' Individual, Environment, and Pygmalion Effect Variables in College Major Selection." This study examined college students' STEM choices as they relate to their high school STEM experiences, parent, teacher, and self-expectations, and math and science efficacy. Results indicated that males and Asian students are more likely to choose a STEM major in college than females and non-Asian students, respectively. In addition, math and science self-efficacy was positively associated with STEM major selection in college.