July 27, 2023
BATON ROUGE, LA - On June 27, 2023, Yu “April” Chen, PhD, presented at the LSU Science Café. Chen’s presentation was titled Bridging the Transfer Gap: Improving Access to Higher Education. Chen discussed the significance of the community college transfer pathway as an
alternative, and often the only way, for low-income, first-generation, and/or racial
minority students to pursue a bachelor’s degree. She highlighted the challenges these
students may encounter both before and after the transfer. She also presented relevant
national statistics and cutting-edge research about community college transfer students
and their success.
Chen said, “The LSU Science Café has provided me with an incredible opportunity to share my research with the vibrant
Baton Rouge community. The warm reception from the audience and their thoughtful questions
were inspiring. To me, this is a much-needed reminder of the importance of bridging
the research and the general public, as my research aims to address real-world challenges
and contribute to the betterment of our community.”
Earlier this year, Chen was honored as one of six LSU faculty members named a Rainmaker for Research and Creative Activity. Rainmakers are faculty members who balance their teaching and research responsibilities
while extending the impact of their work to the world beyond academia. Chen uses both
advanced statistical and qualitative methods to study (a) community college transfer
students, (b) STEM success among underrepresented student populations, and (c) the
experiences of international students.
The LSU Science Café is a public outreach event where LSU faculty members talk about their exciting research
in an informal setting. Sponsored by the LSU Office of Research & Economic Development.
It is held on the last Tuesday of each month (except in December) from 5:00 to 7:00
PM at the historic Varsity Theatre, at the North Gates of the LSU Campus. LSU Science Café is presented in partnership
with Campus Federal Credit Union and WRKF 89.3 FM, public radio in Baton Rouge. You
can find a webcast of the live event on the WRKF 89.3 Facebook Live page.
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