Embedding No-Cost Undergraduate Research into Biology Courses
Carly Jordan. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences; The George Washington University: cnjordan@gwu.edu,
Cecily Bronson. Project Coordinator; BCEENET: cecilydbronson@gmail.com and
Kristen Genet. Biology Professor; Anoka-Ramsey Community College: kristen.genet@anokaramsey.edu
Digitized natural history collections (dNHCs) are a free and abundant source of data that provide endless opportunities to bring research into your classroom. Research using dNHCs spans diverse topics in ecology and evolution, and only requires access to computers and the internet. Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) increase student engagement, retention, and long-term success. Members of the Biological Collections in Ecology and Evolution Network (BCEENET) have created 4 flexible CUREs using dNHC data, including course syllabi, student handouts, and teaching notes. These CUREs have been implemented in person, online, and in hybrid formats, both synchronously and asynchronously, with course lengths ranging from 4 to 16 weeks. BCEENET supports implementation of dNHC CUREs through free 4-day summer training, stipends for new implementers, and ongoing community support. In this session, attendees 1) explored a free online database of natural history collections (iDigBio.org), and 2) learned how a recent implementer at Anoka-Ramsey Community College incorporated research using dNHC data into her courses.
