Our team of autistic student researchers from three California State Universities (CSUs), led by two non-autistic principal investigators, propose an interactive session to discuss the progress and future directions of our NSF-funded Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) project. Engaging Autistic STEM Undergraduates in Creating Supportive Learning Environments at California State Universities seeks to understand the needs of autistic STEM undergraduates and pilot new campus programs to improve student engagement and success. Our project has been participatory from its inception and was designed to hire teams of 3-5 autistic undergraduates at each participating campus. Campus partners include Sonoma State University, Chico State University, and California State University East Bay. In year 1, our work was aimed at identifying the needs and interests of our autistic student team members. Now in year 2, our team is developing and piloting programs and resources to improve student learning and engagement. In year 3, the project will develop training for faculty and staff to improve understanding of autism, improve inclusive teaching practices, and improve the institutional framework of accommodations for CSU students.

Additional Presenters:

• Sonoma State University: Christopher Bell, Lynn Cominsky, Robin Dubois, Suzy Lanter, Shannon McEntee, & Gabriel Tsuruta
• Chico State University: A. Josephine Blagrave, Matthew Borrelli, Chloe Contestable, Grace Harrison, Sonia Quintero, & Betina Wildhaber
• California State University at East Bay: Shubha Kashinath, Jason Kim-Tong, Jefferson Ly, Sofia Rubio, & Avi Taneja