Purpose - This paper aims to discuss the term intersectional trap.This is defined as the act of saying blanket statemenst to describe a race or group of individuals without considering variations of experience within the population.The paper will end with recomendations for research focusing on qualitative studies that explore the lived experiences of students as they form their science,technology,engingneering and mathematics (STEM)identites.
Design/methodology/approach - Researchers and practitioners must focus on how students develop their social,academic and intellectual identites as they become a scientist,doctor or egineer.This includes the development of their core identity - perpections they have of themselves as well as perceptions of those with whom they work and interact.
Findings - one of the main obstacles researchers and practitioners face include how to help students adpt to the nomrs of STEM-worlds(classrooms and works environments related to STEM)as they proceed through the path to becomeng a STEM professional.
Orginality/value - Knowing that female students of color are underrepresented in STEM is not enough.This paper will discuss the need for an intersectionality lens when considering hoe to retain talented female students of color in university STEM programs.Researchers and practitioners must focus on how students develop their social,academic and intellectual identities as they become a scientist,doctor or egineer.