Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2026
Document Type
Dissertation (799 registration)
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Andrew Burklund
Keywords
STEM Education, Laboratory Skills, Skills Gap, Employability, Professional Laboratory Training, Undergraduate Training
Abstract
The noticeable expansion of the biotech and research industries, fueled by increased funding due to the 2019 pandemic (Wallace et al., 2022), which increased the existing skills gap among fresh STEM graduates entering professional laboratories. This study aims to evaluate whether bachelor’s degree holders in biological sciences possess the necessary laboratory competencies to meet professional demands. Utilizing survey methods and Kolb’s experiential learning model (Kolb, 1984), the research examines the extent and implications of the skill deficiencies observed. The study helps to understand the gap in practical laboratory skills among new graduates. Further, results from this work will show the urgency for educational curricula reforms to align more closely with industry requirements, thereby enhancing graduate employability and addressing the skills shortage (Garcia et al., 2021).
Recommended Citation
Wewaliyadda, Indrajee, "Exploring the Skills Gap and Implications of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Graduates and Professional Laboratory Staff" (2026). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1092.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1092