CURE Examples
Discipline
Core Competencies
Nature of Research
CURE Duration
StateResults 1 - 3 of 3 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
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
The MCC project
Students will construct mutants of the enzyme malate dehydrogenase in order to study structure-function relationships of the enzyme.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research
State: Rhode Island
Target Audience: Upper Division, Major
CURE Duration: A full term