2009-2010 University Scholar Profile
Maureen Cuff
Mentor: Rose Pringle
College of Education
"I was interested in joining a research team that already had a grant to investigate similar issues to what I am interested in researching myself. Thus, when I found out about the scholarship, I viewed it as an opportunity to conduct my own research alongside the team to compare learned information. What I hope to gain from this experience is an insight into what research is all about. I would like to step away from the usual techniques of reviewing literature and drawing conclusions from what is already out there. With this opportunity I hope to contribute a bit of information that can be viewed as valuable research literature or as a stepping stone for further research to be conducted."
Courses of Study
Major
Elementary Education
Research Interests
Exploring the level of achievement of African American girls
Academic Awards
- Bright Futures Scholar
- Medallion Scholar
Organizations
- AMSA Global Health Committee Intramural Sports
Volunteer
- University Gospel Choir
- Florida Education Association
- Minority Student Education Guild
Hobbies/Activities
Serving the community through church, singing, mentoring and tutoring disadvantaged youth
Research Description
Are they Achieving: Investigating African American girls' science achievement on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)
The purpose of this project is to investigate the achievement and experiences of African American girls' attitudes toward science learning and selecting science related careers. The research will involve both quantitative and qualitative data sources. Using statistical data analysis techniques, I will analyze the girls' performance on the grades 5, 8, and 10 FCAT Science examinations for the years 2004-2009. I will also conduct a semi-structured focus group interview with several high school girls to gain insight into their science learning experiences and the possible impact of such experiences on their attitudes toward science. The interview will be audio taped, transcribes, analyzed and interpreted.
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