CURE Examples
Discipline
Core Competencies
Nature of Research
CURE Duration
Target AudienceResults 1 - 4 of 4 matches
Inhibitors for Malate Dehydrogenase
Dawn Marin, Gaston College
The goal of this CURE is to design, synthesize and test inhibitors of Malate Dehydrogenase. Students will study the structure of the enzyme and propose possible inhibitors that could form intermolecular bonds with the enzyme. Students will choose potential inhibitor molecules that can be purchased or easily synthesized and purified. The binding of inhibitors will be screened using computational docking calculations. Successful Inhibitors will be tested using enzymatic assays.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research
State: North Carolina
Target Audience: Non-major, Introductory
CURE Duration: A few class periods
Recycle Your Life: Investigating best practices for improving recycling
Michael Black, Georgia State University
This CURE is designed to introduce STEM-thinking and research tools to students with an interest in furthering environmental goals. As the entryway for most starting students is recycling, this CURE is aimed at helping students understand some of the disconnect between understanding recycling (why it is important and what can be recycled) and behaving in a way that matches that understanding (recycling appropriately).
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Planning and carrying out investigations
State: Georgia
Target Audience: Non-major, Introductory
CURE Duration: A full term
La Fermentación: Teaching Cell Biology with Kombucha
Bobbi Johnson, Wenatchee Valley College; Karina Vega-Villa, Wenatchee Valley College
Kombucha is made by introducing a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) into brewed tea. Health benefits of consuming kombucha are often described, but there is limited research supporting most claims. Additionally, there is conflicting information regarding some specific claims. For example, some websites advocate that frequent consumption of kombucha could reduce symptoms of Candida (a pathogenic yeast) while others claim that kombucha may actually contain Candida yeast or otherwise contribute to the growth of yeast in the body due to the sugar and yeast present in the beverage. The purpose of this CURE is to guide students through core concepts related to introductory cell and molecular biology through the lens of kombucha. Students investigate two hypotheses during the CURE: (1) a student-developed hypothesis related to yeast, bacteria, or kombucha and (2) testing if Candida can be identified in samples of kombucha. As part of the CURE, students learn the core concepts of an introductory cell and molecular biology course, develop basic transferable laboratory skills, and build their science-identity through supported application of the scientific process.
Core Competencies: Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
Target Audience: Introductory, Major
CURE Duration: A full term
Analyzing datasets in crime and policing teach the nature and process of science
Michael Watson, Fisk University
Core Competencies: Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data
Nature of Research: Applied Research, Informatics/Computational Research
State: Tennessee
Target Audience: Introductory, Non-major
CURE Duration: A full term