First-Generation Data & Research | Colorado Mesa University

Student-Led Research

CMU Psychology & Social Work first-generation students, Isa De La Canal, Maya Mendoza, and Isabela Sanchez presented at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Conference in April 2025. Their research, under the advisement of Task Force Member, Dr. Amy Niu, explored first-generation student belonging and the transition to college.

What Is The Research Project?

Dr. Niu, Mendoza, and Sanchez also presented their research project, "Evaluating the Efficacy of Large Language Models for Thematic Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Case Study on First-Generation College Students’ Transition."

Where Was The Project Presented?

The student researchers and Dr. Niu presented their conference presentation to the First-Generation Task Force during National First-Gen Student week in November 2024. They also presented for the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association.

Data collection. Partner with CMU Institutional Research to pull specific data pertaining to first-generation student success at CMU. Data analysis. Conduct structured data analysis, trend analysis, and observational commentary for specific data sets. Informed programs. Utilize analyzed data and commentary to inform campus trainings for staff and faculty and refine first-generation student programming. Policy suggestions. Identify suggestions for institutional policy changes within established systems to enhance the first-generation student experience at CMU.

Subcommittee Areas of Future Inquiry:

Retention and First-Gen Student Perceptions of Value
Examination of First-Generation Student Retention Disaggregated by Gender