Online Platform Session - A CURE for the Common Classroom

Research in science is approached through asking novel questions with unknown answers. However, the way in which science has been historically taught at the undergraduate level is through cookbook labs with known and predictable methods and answers. Core competencies recommended by the 2011 report of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and National Science Foundation—Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action­—have pushed educators to teach science in an authentic manner and expand research opportunities to a greater number of students. One model that has been widely adopted to meet these goals is that of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE). These courses, the research experience and cultivation of science identity of which can be incorporated into new or existing courses, can span from the first year of study to the upper level. While these courses take a variety of forms, national assessment data have shown that CUREs increase content knowledge, analytical and technical skills, and persistence in science for all students, but especially for students underrepresented in STEM. In addition to student benefits of this model, faculty report increases in their own research productivity. In this session, we will report CURE models from the first year of study to the upper level at both large research institutions and small undergraduate-only institutions and present the benefits of this model to students and faculty alike.

Introduction. Larissa Williams, Bates College, Lewiston, ME.

A Framework for Designing and Refining CUREs. Jordan Parker, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.

Faculty Engagement and Undergraduate Research Mentorship through the National SEA PHAGES Program. Richard Pollenz, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Applying a CURE Approach to an Upper-Level Combined Biochemistry/Toxicology Laboratory Using C. elegans. Joshua Gray, US Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT.

From Surviving to Thriving: A First Biology Course—Use of a CURE to Teach about Poisons. Larissa Williams, Bates College, Lewiston, ME.

This online platform session was originally planned for the Annual Society of Toxicology meeting, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. The session is open to all participants, including nonmembers. Registration is free, but required.