What is it about?
This study created and tested the Quinn Miller Competency Assessment (QMCA), a survey that measures five key emotional and social skills: self-awareness, self-control, adaptability, achievement orientation, and teamwork. These skills are important for success in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) graduate programs. The tool was carefully tested to make sure it is fair and reliable across gender and race, so it can be used both in admissions and in helping students grow during their programs .
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Why is it important?
Many talented women and minority students are overlooked in traditional admissions processes that focus mainly on grades and test scores. By adding a fair and consistent way to measure emotional and social competencies, the QMCA can help open doors to underrepresented students, improve retention, and create a more diverse and innovative scientific community .
Perspectives
The Quinn Miller Competency Assessment (QMCA) is a big step toward making STEMM graduate programs more fair and inclusive. Grades and test scores only tell part of the story—skills like teamwork, adaptability, and self-awareness matter just as much for success. This tool gives schools a better way to spot potential, support students, and build a stronger, more diverse scientific community.
Joann Quinn
University of South Florida
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Development of a survey tool to assess emotional and social behavioral competencies of science technology engineering math and medicine (STEMM) graduate students, PLOS One, September 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328308.
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