FHSU University Relations
The Department of Biological Sciences at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has been awarded a $385,971 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their research project, "Uncovering Change Catalysts: Examining Community of Practice Members as They Leverage Individual Course Improvements to Achieve Systemic Departmental Change." This funding will support the integration of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) into the biology curriculum.
“This grant gives faculty the time and money they need to add authentic research experiences to many of our courses,” said Dr. Lorelei Patrick, assistant professor of biology. “The students who take these improved courses will gain science skills that will help prepare them for their future careers.”
The project aims to equip biology faculty with the necessary training and resources to implement CUREs in their courses. These redesigned courses will provide students with the chance to engage in authentic, real-world research while completing their undergraduate degree. Participation in CUREs helps students build essential skills and knowledge that are highly desirable to future employers.
"Embedding research opportunities into biology courses ensures that all undergraduate students experience research and build skills to prepare them for their future careers," said Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr, FHSU biology department chair.
In addition to implementing CUREs in the biology courses at FHSU, this project will also create a framework for other biology departments wanting to implement CUREs in their courses. The funds will be used to embed research experiences in the introductory biology courses, genetics, ecology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, microbiology, and others.
"As a unique way to bring genuine research into the classroom, course-based undergraduate research experiences will significantly enhance learning opportunities for students in my courses,” said Dr. Michael Gruenstaeudl, assistant professor of biology at FHSU. “Students will not only be involved in selecting and designing bona fide research questions, but they will also develop technical and organizational skills that are rarely offered in traditional laboratory courses."