CURE Examples
Discipline
Nature of Research
Core CompetenciesResults 1 - 7 of 7 matches
Design2Data
Ashley Vater, University of California-Davis
The D2D program is centered around an undergraduate-friendly protocol workflow that follows the design-build-test-learn engineering framework. This protocol has served as the scaffold for a successful undergraduate training program and has been further developed into courses that range from a 10-week freshman seminar to a year-long, upper-division molecular biology course. The overarching research goal of this CURE probes the current predictive limitations of protein-modeling software by functionally characterizing single amino acid mutants in a robust model system. The most interesting outcomes of this project are dependent on large datasets, and, as such, the project is optimal for multi-institutional collaborations.
Core Competencies: Using mathematics and computational thinking, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data, Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Developing and using models
Nature of Research: Wet Lab/Bench Research, Basic Research, Applied Research
Target Audience: Upper Division, Non-major, Major, Introductory
CURE Duration: A full term, Multiple terms
Emerging Contaminants in Arizona
Frank Marfai, Phoenix College
Core Competencies: Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Developing and using models
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Applied Research
State: Arizona
Target Audience: Introductory, Upper Division, Non-major, Major
CURE Duration: Multiple terms, A full term
Beyond the acronym: Employing data science to improve engagement in STEM
Pamela Reynolds, University of California-Davis
Forbes magazine ranked UC Davis as the "best value college for women in STEM." Let's investigate why, together! In this hands-on Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), you will leverage computational tools and methodologies to explore, analyze and design solutions to maximize discoverability and engagement with STEM offerings right here at UC Davis. Community-based tools like the UC Davis STEM portal help students and members of the broader community discover and connect with opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. How do we define STEM, and how do people interface with the diversity of offerings at our university? Through this seminar you will learn about web scraping, text mining, natural language processing, and user interface design as you work on projects to optimize search functionality and increase content management automation for the Portal, which serves as a single point of entry for catalogued information related to STEM initiatives, clubs, programs and events on campus. This research will be used to improve the discoverability and accessibility of our university's resources, and identify new opportunities for multidisciplinary research and engagement with STEM. The data we collect and workflows designed in this class will contribute to research in the digital humanities and philosophy of science regarding the shape of the discourse surrounding STEM in academia. It will also have a direct application in helping our students and broader community discover new resources and opportunities. Students will be required to work both individually and collaboratively in groups, and to share their learning with each other. This class is open to first-year freshman and transfer students from all majors. You do not need to be a computer scientist to be successful in this course, but you should be comfortable using a computer and have prior exposure to programming (R, Python, etc.). Your instructor team is looking forward to supporting your learning and engagement with research in this class!
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Applied Research, Informatics/Computational Research
State: California
Target Audience: Introductory, Major, Non-major
CURE Duration: A full term
A CURE Project for STEM Education at HBCU - Surface Pattern Design for Chemical Mechanical Polishing Pad
ZHICHAO LI, North Carolina A & T State University
Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is widespread employed in many manufacturing industries such as semiconductor and aerospace. The objective of the present CURE project is to introduce the specific advanced manufacturing process to sophomore and junior students at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. The CURE course will be combined and implemented through the course of ISEN324 (Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture). Students in this CURE course will experience a basic training on how to conduct engineering research and development activities in manufacturing industry, develop skills in engineering design and precision manufacturing, and obtain capabilities in applying STEM knowledge to analyze and resolve engineering problems in real industry through modeling, simulation and optimization research steps.
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Using mathematics and computational thinking, Developing and using models
Nature of Research: Applied Research
State: North Carolina
Target Audience: Major, Introductory
CURE Duration: A full term
Visualizing protein aggregates involved in human disease
Whitney Duim, University of California-Davis
Core Competencies: Analyzing and interpreting data, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Planning and carrying out investigations, Using mathematics and computational thinking
Nature of Research: Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research
State: California
Target Audience: Introductory
CURE Duration: A full term
What's in your water?
Robin Cotter, Phoenix College
Water quality is an issue that impacts everyone, but do we really know what is in the water we drink? Water quality is an issue that impacts everyone, but do we really know what is the water we drink? Chemical and bacteriological contamination of water has serious implications for human health. For example, in agricultural areas, pesticides and fertilizers can lead to contamination of groundwater. High levels of nitrate can lead to methaemoglobinaemia (blue baby syndrome). Solvents and heavy metals generated during mining can lead to toxicosis. As witnessed in Flint, Michigan, the use of lead pipes in plumbing can lead to elevated levels of lead in drinking water which can impact the mental development in children. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8) is a man-made chemical used in the process of making Teflon. PFOA's pose global health concerns as they persist in the environment and human body for extended periods of time and can now be detected in almost everyone's blood. To address this issue, introductory biology, microbiology and chemistry students at our 2-year community college will work together to test water from local water treatment plants for the presence of chemical and biological contaminants. Students will learn about the scientific process as they perform background research on EPA water standards, potential sources of water contaminants, and the water treatment process. Students will hold virtual meetings with community, university, and industry partners to identify relevant research questions related to water treatment. Students will then do a site visit to a local water treatment plant where they will collect and analyze water samples from different stages of the water treatment process. Students will test the water samples for the presence of organic pollutants and microbial pathogens. This data will be entered into a regional database and compared to water quality reports posted on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) website. Students will then present their findings at community meetings, STEM outreach events, and via virtual poster sessions.
Core Competencies: Using mathematics and computational thinking, Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data
Target Audience: Introductory, Upper Division, Major
CURE Duration: Half a term
Animal Genome to Phenome - A CURE for food security
Mulumebet Worku, North Carolina A & T State University
Core Competencies: Developing and using models, Analyzing and interpreting data, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Using mathematics and computational thinking
Nature of Research: Informatics/Computational Research, Basic Research, Applied Research
State: North Carolina
Target Audience: Major, Introductory
CURE Duration: Multiple terms