An update of recent CURE-related research, opportunities, and resources.
Open this newsletter on the CUREnet website.
September 2019 Newsletter
Recent Publications
Adding Authenticity to Inquiry in a First-Year, Research-Based, Biology Laboratory Course
The University of Miami Authentic Research Laboratories course was a CURE that brought faculty research into the introductory biology lab. Participation in this lab led to high learning gains and increased the odds that students would have individual research experiences, graduate with a STEM degree within 4 years, and graduate with honors.
Factors that predict life sciences student persistence in undergraduate research experiences
In this study of 768 students at 25 different public research institutions, the authors examined what factors cause students to stay in their undergraduate research experiences (UREs), what factors cause students to consider leaving their UREs, and what factors cause students to leave their UREs. Fifty percent of survey respondents considered leaving their URE. Students who reported having a positive lab environment and students who indicated enjoying their everyday research tasks were more likely to not consider leaving their UREs. This work was conducted as part of a science education CURE.
Benefits and Challenges of Instructing Introductory Biology Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) as Perceived by Graduate Teaching Assistants.
Qualitative methods are used to describe and ascribe meaning to the perceptions that graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) have regarding their roles serving as the primary instructors and research mentors for introductory biology course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). Findings highlight benefits and challenges experienced by GTAs teaching CUREs, based on multiple emergent interview themes.
In this article, the authors present a literature review aimed at synthesizing and comparing results of the impact of participating in these research experiences to establish which approach is most beneficial for students to develop as scientists. Twenty studies on student participation in undergraduate research and research-based courses were reviewed. Results show that both types of experiences have positive effects on students.
Announcements and Opportunities
UCLA CURE Instructor in Biomedical Research
The UCLA Minor in Biomedical Research, an interdisciplinary program centered on undergraduate research, is seeking a full-time instructor to teach a course-based undergraduate research (CURE). The program is seeking an individual with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology and a passion for undergraduate education. Candidates with Drosophila expertise are especially encouraged to apply. For more details, please click here.
Project EDDIE Module Development Workshop
The Module Development Workshop will be held at Carleton College in Northfield Minnesota from October 28-30, 2019. This workshop brings together instructors from a variety of disciplines and institutions who will be guided through developing teaching modules that use the community-identified best practices for using large datasets to improve quantitative reasoning in students. For more information, visit: Project EDDIE Module Development Workshop
CUREnet Resources
Funding Your CURE
Please visit the CUREnet site to learn more about how others have funded their CUREs and share your own experiences!
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Use this page on the CUREnet website to submit publications, announcements, and job posts to be featured in the next quarterly CUREnet newsletter.