CUR(E)ating a New Approach to Study Fungal Effectors and Enhance Undergraduate Education through Authentic Research

Autor/inn/en	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
Titel	CUR(E)ating a New Approach to Study Fungal Effectors and Enhance Undergraduate Education through Authentic Research
Quelle	In: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 52 (2024) 1, S. 6-14Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Link als defekt meldenVerfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Li-Jun Ma)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1470-8175
DOI	10.1002/bmb.21783
Schlagwörter	Forschungsbericht; 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; Massachusetts + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Biochemie; Staatliche Universität; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Pflanze; Abwasserbiologie; Aktives Lernen; Studentenforschung; Molekularbiologie; Self-esteem; Selbstaufmerksamkeit; Fakultät; Vorhersage; Master-Studiengang
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. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	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
Begutachtung	Peer reviewed
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2025/2/06