CURE Examples
Discipline
Core Competencies
- Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 5 matches
- Developing and using models 3 matches
- Planning and carrying out investigations 2 matches
- Analyzing and interpreting data 5 matches
- Using mathematics and computational thinking 3 matches
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 4 matches
Nature of Research
Target AudienceResults 1 - 5 of 5 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
Laser spectroscopy of atmospherically relevant molecules and clusters in helium nanodroplets
Paul Raston, James Madison University
Superfluid helium nanodroplets present an ideal medium for the study of chemical dynamics at the molecular level. Their low temperature, enormous heat conductivity, and weakly interacting nature allow for the investigation of various things, such as how molecular rotation is effected by a solvent, and how molecules interact with each other. These two topics will be addressed in the lab by (1) measuring the spectra of unexplored molecules in helium nanodroplets and determining their rotational constants; this data will then be used to test known models describing the interaction between the molecule and helium solvent, and (2) synthesizing and characterizing unexplored molecular clusters in an effort to better understand molecular solvation; students will solvate the "unexplored molecule" with an atmospherically relevant species (O2, N2, H2O), and investigate the resulting clusters with laser Stark spectroscopy.
Core Competencies: Using mathematics and computational thinking, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data, Developing and using models, Planning and carrying out investigations, Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Basic Research
State: Virginia
Target Audience: Upper Division, Non-major, Major
CURE Duration: A few class periods, 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
Introduction to GIS using CURE
Elizabeth Bollen, Adams State University; Chayan Lahiri, Adams State University
Geographic information systems (GIS) are used in many capacities across every discipline to help communities, governments, and businesses make informed decisions. This Introduction to GIS CURE course aims to assist local ranches by locating sampling sites for watershed analyses. Students in this GIS course will develop skills manipulating data by learning GIS software. The students themselves are tasked with identifying sampling site criteria for the broader study, which will assist other student researchers in locating scientifically viable, safe, and accessible sampling sites for watershed sample collection. Students in this course will also use knowledge gained in prior classes to make and defend decisions. Written reports, figure drafting, and group discussions will help students learn how to clearly and effectively communicate their findings and results. The knowledge and skills students' gain in this course will be used in future classes and are highly sought after by employers.
Core Competencies: Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data, Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
Nature of Research: Applied Research, Informatics/Computational Research
State: Colorado
Target Audience: Major, Non-major, Introductory
CURE Duration: Multiple terms, A full term
Spatial Distribution of Food Resources in the Phoenix Metro Area.
Elena Ortiz, Phoenix College
The main research question/ driving question is: How are food resources distributed across the urban landscape? Students will explore previous work on food deserts in the Phoenix Metro area, use census data, USDA data, collect and compile data on the local food system, create data visualizations and maps, and determine future data needs. Students will also determine stakeholders and community members that could act on the results of their findings and identify appropriate ways to communicate their research to those audiences.
Core Competencies: Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering), Analyzing and interpreting data
Nature of Research: Applied Research
State: Arizona
Target Audience: Non-major
CURE Duration: Multiple terms, Half a term