Despite being part of a generation that has seen revolutionary technological innovation in the past decades, young Americans’ interests in science, technology, engineering and math fields is decreasing.
The University, however, remains ahead of the curve, with a significant portion of the student population majoring in these fields.
The Lemelson-MIT Program surveyed Americans aged 16-25, revealing 40 percent of those surveyed said “they couldn’t imagine life” without recent innovations like smartphones and tablets, but 60 percent said some factors could dissuade them from seeking careers in fields that foster invention and innovation.
College of Science Dean Kevin Carman said while decreased interest in science, technology, engineering and math programs may be plaguing the nation, science and engineering students comprise a large part of the University community.
With about 2,700 students as of fall 2011, majors within the College of Engineering fall just second in popularity to majors in the College of Humanities and Social sciences, according to the Office of Budget and Planning. Science trails behind with about 1,700
declared majors.
Carman said these numbers show that science, technology, engineering and math interests are still strong at the University.
Psychology junior Trevor Simon said many students choose careers to go against the grain.
“The majority of people go into math and science, so some people go into the art fields to be more creative,” Simon said.
Simon said he wanted to study biology, but after taking physics, he was turned off by science.
“The nation needs, and will continue to need, people to work and lead in these fields if we are to remain globally competitive,” said Chancellor Michael Martin in a prepared statement. “We have strong programs in these areas and thus should be attractive to students with one of these majors as an objective.”
Science education goes beyond the classroom, as students are given opportunities to apply what they learn in real world situations, Carman said.
The College of Science frequently collaborates with the College of Engineering, and opportunities to increase interaction are continually sought, he said.
He said efforts that inspire innovation and invention as expressed in the survey have long been implemented at the University. The most common of these are internships and opportunities for students to work with professors doing research on campus.
“Our students research alongside faculty, and they learn to solve problems while working with others,” Carman said.
He said the decreased interest among American youth could be attributed to a lack of preparation in math and science fields before the college level.
“We have to have a solid foundation for our youth,” Carman said. “We’re falling behind in America.”
Ryan Parr, agricultural business senior, said he began college as an aspiring veterinarian, but the course work proved too demanding.
“Those classes are a lot harder. They require more work,” Parr said.
Martin also stressed the importance of earlier education in these fields, saying the University works to prepare some who may teach these subjects in K-12 institutions.
Kristen Landreneau, English literature freshman, said young people’s choice in profession is easily swayed by high school teachers.
“A bad teacher can warp a view on science or math,”
Landreneau said.
 
____
Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]