Table 2 Participant responses to survey questions regarding motivations to join the (STEM)² Network, and sustained participation in and professional growth resulting from participation in the Network

What motivated you to join the Network?

Interest in advancing teaching in higher education; respect for the PIs’ ideas and abilities

A desire to improve success and experiences for the many students who transfer from 2 year schools to our 4 year school (and have a very tough transition!)

I chose to join the (STEM)² network out of a desire to improve inclusivity within STEM through data-driven and collaborative methods. Our University is a small sample-size in a greater pool of local institutions that all serve similar populations of students. It makes sense to combine our experiences to identify areas where we can allocate resources to benefit our STEM majors the most.

What sustains continued participation in the Network?

Working with amazing people - from co-PIs to members of my working group - these individuals are among the most cooperative, most selfless people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Especially during some of the dark days of COVID, these individuals were always positive, always sharing. I felt energized after our meetings.

Having the chance to collaborate

The network seems to be working.

I feel that this network has broadened my view of how STEM majors are designed. I look forward to seeing our project continued, as I think this will benefit our students and our ability as instructors to advocate for them.

Professional development and potential publications

Excellent continuing interaction with peers at neighboring institutions working toward helping STEM students in a more coordinated fashion

How does the Network contribute to your professional growth?

Get different perspectives from faculty at other institutions; think about things I haven't thought about before (e.g., network mapping); see approaches of PIs and others to scholarship in a different field from basic science

I've really enjoyed interacting with my peers at other institutions (and even at my own institution across departments). Those interactions and conversations, on their own, are extremely valuable. I'm confident, that with time, we will be able to propose and implement some thoughtful curriculum changes that will hopefully help our students.

Yes, even during this very challenging 2020 year, the Network helped me evolve as a teacher and mentor of undergraduate STEM students. Also made me feel part of a bigger movement than that of my classroom or my department.

Spurs thinking of new ways to look at old, systemic problems.

My skill set in modeling has definitely expanded, and I feel like I have collaborative contacts at multiple institutions in my local area. The power of this network to bring together faculty and administrators from across STEM disciplines is really important, and it gives me a chance to form new research collaborations with other faculty nearby.