CUR(E)ating a New Approach to Study Fungal Effectors and Enhance Undergraduate Education through Authentic Research
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| Title: | CUR(E)ating a New Approach to Study Fungal Effectors and Enhance Undergraduate Education through Authentic Research |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Gengtan Li, Mai McWilliams, Matheus Rodrigues, Benjamin Mearkle, Nader Jaafar, Vivek Golla, Houlin Yu, He Yang, Dilay Hazal Ayhan, Kelly Allen, Domingo Martínez-Soto, Amy Springer, Li-Jun Ma (ORCID |
| Source: | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. 2024 52(1):6-14. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Institutes of Health (NIH) (DHHS) National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS) National Science Foundation (NSF) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Contract Number: | R01EY030150 165241 RCNUBE2119918 20166800424931 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Biochemistry, Undergraduate Students, State Universities, Camps, Science Education, Science Instruction, Plants (Botany), Biological Sciences, Active Learning, Student Research, Research Training, Molecular Biology, Self Esteem, STEM Careers, College Faculty, Prediction, Scientific Research |
| Geographic Terms: | Massachusetts |
| DOI: | 10.1002/bmb.21783 |
| ISSN: | 1470-8175 1539-3429 |
| Abstract: | Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) integrate active, discovery-based learning into undergraduate curricula, adding tremendous value to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) education. There are multiple challenges in transforming a research project into a CURE, such as the readiness of students, the time commitment of the instructor, and the productivity of the research. In this article, we report a CURE course developed and offered in the University of Massachusetts Amherst BMB Department since 2018 that addresses these challenges. Our CURE focuses on fungal effectors which are proteins secreted by a destructive pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, one of the top five most devastating plant pathogens. By studying this group of proteins, students are connected to real-world problems and participate in the search for potential solutions. A 3-week "standard Boot Camp" is implemented to help students familiarize themselves with all basic techniques and boost their confidence. Next, molecular cloning, a versatile technique with modularity and repeatability, is used as the bedrock of the course. Our past 5 years of experience have confirmed that we have developed a novel and feasible CURE protocol. Measurable progress documented by students who took this course includes stimulated active learning and increased career trajectory to pursue hypothesis-based research to address societal needs. In addition, data generated through the course advance ongoing lab research. Collectively, we encourage the implementation of CURE among research-intensive faculty to provide a more inclusive research experience to undergraduate students, an important element in predicting career success. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1409422 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) integrate active, discovery-based learning into undergraduate curricula, adding tremendous value to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) education. There are multiple challenges in transforming a research project into a CURE, such as the readiness of students, the time commitment of the instructor, and the productivity of the research. In this article, we report a CURE course developed and offered in the University of Massachusetts Amherst BMB Department since 2018 that addresses these challenges. Our CURE focuses on fungal effectors which are proteins secreted by a destructive pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, one of the top five most devastating plant pathogens. By studying this group of proteins, students are connected to real-world problems and participate in the search for potential solutions. A 3-week "standard Boot Camp" is implemented to help students familiarize themselves with all basic techniques and boost their confidence. Next, molecular cloning, a versatile technique with modularity and repeatability, is used as the bedrock of the course. Our past 5 years of experience have confirmed that we have developed a novel and feasible CURE protocol. Measurable progress documented by students who took this course includes stimulated active learning and increased career trajectory to pursue hypothesis-based research to address societal needs. In addition, data generated through the course advance ongoing lab research. Collectively, we encourage the implementation of CURE among research-intensive faculty to provide a more inclusive research experience to undergraduate students, an important element in predicting career success. |
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| ISSN: | 1470-8175 1539-3429 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/bmb.21783 |
