Poster

         Education and Outreach

Maximizing the impacts of inclusive CUREs from hypothesis to undergraduate conference participation

Presenting Author
Matt Johnson
Description
Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) increase student learning and self-efficacy but are often difficult to implement across a variety of class types and institutions. CUREs built using digital Natural History Collection (dNHC) data are more accessible as they do not require expensive equipment or wet lab resources. Four CUREs recently developed by the Biological Collections for Ecology and Evolution Network (BCEENET) provide students with research experience employing digitized natural history collection data and have been implemented at over 20 institutions serving over 3000 students. Although students gain experience with data management, georeferencing, GIS, and data analysis it is unknown whether these digital data CUREs provide the same gains in student self-efficacy and content knowledge as more expensive laboratory CUREs. We describe a new CURE assessment project that aims to assess dNHC CUREs through the development of new survey instruments and cognitive interviews. We also aim to assess the impact of participation in scientific conferences on outcomes for CURE students. To assist instructors in implementing its dNHC CUREs, BCEENET provides resources for implementation of its CUREs and also offers opportunities to participate in assessment activities.