Examining Entrepreneurship Education Program Experiences of Women Faculty Engaged in Biomedical Research

Although several entrepreneurship education programs (EEPs) have been created for faculty, research examining women faculty experiences participating in EEPs is minimal and particularly negligible in the context of their academic research. To address this gap, we examine women faculty's perceptions and experiences toward EEPs in the context of biomedical (BM) research. The research question examined is as follows: how do women faculty with a BM research focus experience and/or perceive EEPs? Eight self-identified women faculty who pursue B.M. research participated in in-depth interviews for this study. The data analysis drew on phenomenological experience-based qualitative research methodologies. Three key themes emerged with respect to participant experiences with and perceptions of EEPs: (1) engaging in customer discovery, (2) navigating the entrepreneurial program, and (3) facing BM specific research challenges. Customer discovery was identified as the most impactful outcome, and it pushed the faculty to explore the impact of their innovations beyond their laboratory spaces; however, the customer discovery process was challenging due to the complexity of the BM environment. Furthermore, several challenges were noted when navigating the program concerning feedback delivery and students' roles. Lastly, several BM-specific challenges were raised, specific to the lack of disciplinary diversity and post-EEP guidance on regulatory approvals and funding. We anticipate that these research-based findings will inform the continued development of EEPs that are inclusive of women STEM faculty, particularly those who are engaged in BM research. Implications for research and practice are presented in the context of the emergent findings.