: Science Policy| Current Projects |
Academic PatentingThis is a national micro-level study of researcher patenting behavior to identify distinct decision points of the patent process that researchers encounter as part of their research activities, determine a set of exogenous constraints that exist in the inventors environment, and model the effect determinants have on each decision point. The study proposes a theoretical model of the emergence of a university patent consisting of the three decision stages, mediated by individual, disciplinary and organizational constraints, and the resulting motivations to undertake commercially relevant research leading to patents. Specifically, the three stages are examine 1) the processes of project selection related to patented invention; 2) the route and speed to commercialization; and 3) the post-disclosure involvement of inventors with the development of their inventions. |
Women and Minority ScientistsThis empirical research proposal addresses the characteristics and role of networks in career advancement, outcomes, and mentoring for women and underrepresented minority academic scientists in non–Research I institutions. The purpose of this research is to address the structural and resource determinants of underrepresentation, career success, and satisfaction of women and underrepresented minorities PhDs who have faculty appointments in Research II and Comprehensive institutions. We give particular attention to the role of mentorship and aspects of specific mentor resource exchange in affecting network access and participation.Check out the NETWISE website here for more information about the project and our partners. |
Women in Science and Engineering: Network Access, Participation, and Career OutcomesThis NSF funded Project studies how and why social and professional networks make a difference in the career outcomes of women in STEM fields. This multi-year project addresses the research question: How and why do networks make a difference in the career outcomes of women in STEM careers? We define a network to be a web of formal and informal relationships among members that allows the exchange of resources, information, and activities. |
| Previous Projects |
Evaluation of the Mid-America (MAE) Engineering Research CenterThe purpose of this study is to conduct an evaluation of the Mid-America Earthquake (MAE) Engineering Research Center. MAE is one of three national earthquake engineering research centers established by the National Science Foundation and its partner institutions and is located in Champaign Illinois. MAE is engaged in core earthquake research, research targeted at stakeholder use, as well as education and outreach initiatives. |
Assessing the LIFE (Learning in Informal and Formal Environments) Center: A Scientific and Technical Human Capital Evaluation ModelFunded by the National Science Foundation and based at the Universityof Washington and Stanford University, the mission of the LIFE(Learning in Informal and Formal Environments) Center is “to understand and advance human learning through a simultaneous focus on implicit, informal and formal learning, thus cultivating generalizable interdisciplinary theories that can guide the design of effective new technologies and learning environments”. Together with colleagues at Arizona State University and Georgia Tech University, Dr. Melkers is conducting an evaluation of the research outcomes of the LIFE Center. The team is specifically interested in gains to research knowledge, preparation of new researchers, and research capacity building. |
Science policy research focuses on:
- The role of collaboration network structure and scientific knowledge flows in improving the conduct of science; and
- The behavior of scientists--especially entrepreneurial and opportunity seeking behavior among academic scientists.
