CURE Examples
Discipline
Core Competencies
- Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 11 matches
- Developing and using models 1 match
- Planning and carrying out investigations 12 matches
- Analyzing and interpreting data 12 matches
- Using mathematics and computational thinking 2 matches
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 4 matches
Nature of Research
State
Results 1 - 10 of 20 matches
Characterizing the Aging Process Using Caenorhabditis elegans and Reverse Genetics
Joslyn Mills, Bridgewater State University
Using gene silencing (RNAi) in the nemotode C. elegans, students will identify genetic modifiers of proteins with roles in aging by reverse genetics. Specifically, students will analyze the effect of knocking down genes on the level of aging-related proteins tagged with fluorophores (GFP, RFP, etc.). Each group of students will use function-specific RNAi libraries (transcription factors, kinases, etc) already established in our lab. Furthermore, students will evaluate the effect of genetic modifiers on proteostasis and lifespan. In addition to becoming familiar with C. elegans work and appreciating the use of model organisms, the students will master microscopy, genetic crosses, gene silencing, and molecular and biochemical readout assays such as qPCR and immunoblotting.
Core Competencies: Developing and using models, Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
State: Rhode Island
Target Audience: Upper Division, Introductory, Major
CURE Duration: A full term
Resequencing of Commercial Microorganisms
Jessica Kaufman, Endicott College
Students choose a probiotic pill or product with labeling that indicates the species and strain of bacteria in the product. Products are chosen so that a high quality reference genome sequence is available on NCBI. After DNA isolation and library preparation, high-quality student samples are pooled for next-gen sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq. The following semester, students in the required bioinformatics course will analyze the FASTQ files from the NGS run with a simple variant call workflow on usegalaxy.org. Then, each student will use a R Shiny app developed for this CURE to convert the VCF output from Galaxy to a FASTA file for an assigned gene in the resequenced genome. Students will complete their research experience by submitting the FASTA file to the NCBI Nucleotide Database.
Core Competencies: Planning and carrying out investigations, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Analyzing and interpreting data
Nature of Research: Wet Lab/Bench Research, Informatics/Computational Research
Target Audience: Major
CURE Duration: Multiple terms
The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Plant Growth and Herbivory
Erin Rehrig, Fitchburg State University
In this CURE, students will conduct experiments to determine the effects of silver nanoparticles on plant growth and insect herbivory. Students will synthesize their own nanoparticles and treat Arabididopsis plants with them. After 5 weeks, insects (Pieris rapae, caterpillars) will be placed on plants and insect herbivory will be assessed across treatments. Insects will be weighted before and after feeding assays. Plant growth rates and insect herbivory measurements will be done using digital photography and image analysis using MathLab.
Nature of Research: Basic Research
State: Massachusetts
Target Audience: Major, Upper Division
CURE Duration: A full term
Spicing things up: Implementation of a CURE to investigate the antimicrobial properties of spices on six bacterial species
Heather Townsend, Community College of Rhode Island
I issue students six bacterial species for use. I have students start the semester understanding primary literature and how to find sources, plagiarism, and how to use citations. They must then pick a spice (one per group) using literature, meaning they have to research that a particular spice has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Once selected they do a series of dilutions and finally test the dilutions on the six bacterial species. All groups must use the entire class data in their discussion along with the historical data from previous semesters. They end in designing a poster which they finally present at a poster presentation open to the college.
Core Competencies: Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research
State: Rhode Island
Target Audience: Upper Division, Non-major, Introductory, Major
CURE Duration: A full term
Cell Biology of Tetrahymena thermophila Mutants
Carolyn Wetzel, Holyoke Community College
Tetrahymena thermophila is a widely used model system for studying eukaryotic cell biology. In collaboration with a lead researcher at a different institution, students in this CURE will characterize mutants of Tetrahymena to screen for possible effects of different mutations on basic cell functions such as cell morphology, cilia action, phagocytosis, growth and development, energetics, and response to different stimuli. Student results will be sent to the lead researcher to be incorporated into their larger project and it is expected that any significant student contribution will lead to authorship or acknowledgement in a publication.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
State: Massachusetts
Target Audience: Introductory, Major
CURE Duration: A full term
Using Polymerase Chain Reaction to Investigate Food
Frances Turner, Howard Community College
Core Competencies: Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Applied Research
State: Maryland
Target Audience: Major
CURE Duration: Half a term
Population Biology of the Gulls of Appledore
Sarah Courchesne, Northern Essex Community College
For more than 10 years, data has been collected on the breeding population of herring and great black-backed gulls on Appledore Island in Maine. The resulting dataset is massive, including morphometrics, family histories, breeding success, total population, and many other parameters. While a small number of students are able to visit the island each year to assist in data collection and sampling, this CURE democratizes biology research, and invites an entire classroom of students to investigate their own questions. Students will process the most recent set of samples collected the previous summer, performing DNA sexing and blood smear analysis, and will additionally pursue their own research questions regarding either the existing data, the samples, or both.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Wet Lab/Bench Research, Basic Research
State: Massachusetts
Target Audience: Major, Non-major
CURE Duration: A full term
BIO195: Lab-Based Biological Inquiry: Poisons
Larissa Williams, Bates College
This is a course-based research experience in the biological sciences. Students will build research skills through open-ended, authentic experimentation or observations of the natural world. Students will gain practice reading scientific literature, formulating and testing hypotheses, analyzing data, interpreting results, communicating in disciplinary style, and working in teams. The 'Poisons' version of the course is focused on historical and emerging poisons, with an emphasis on lead. Students will investigate the molecular and behavioral effects of developmental lead exposure using the zebrafish model. Intended for students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or Environmental Studies, or preparing for a health-related career; it is recommended that students taking BIO 195 simultaneously enroll in CHEM 107 or CHEM 108.
Core Competencies: Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data
Nature of Research: Wet Lab/Bench Research, Basic Research
State: Maine
Target Audience: Major, Introductory
CURE Duration: A full term
Types of Probiotic strains and their concentrations
Luda Bard, Howard Community College
In this CURE, students are going to research what types of probiotics are found in the probiotics that are available in grocery stores for purchase. They will investigate the concentration of those probiotics depending on expiration date.
Nature of Research: Basic Research
Target Audience: Major, Introductory
CURE Duration: Multiple terms, A full term, Half a term