Background: A growing interest in student's perceptions of scientists has been identified in the literature, relying on the argument that stereotypical perceptions of scientists may affect student attitudes towards science and their willingness to pursue a science-related career. Thus, over the past 30 years, many studies have investigated…

This study was launched from a National Science Foundation GK-12 grant in which graduate fellows in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are placed in classrooms to engage K-12 students in STEM activities. The investigation explored whether the STEM Fellows' presence impacted the K-12 students' stereotypical image of a…