Fly-CURE is a consortium of seven universities participating in an undergraduate genetics laboratory Classroom-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) centered on the genetic mapping and characterization of Drosophila melanogaster mutants isolated from a genetic screen. With a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) of $292,489 Fly-CURE will expand to twenty institutions across the U.S. This will allow for engagement of more than 800 undergraduate students in authentic, hypothesis-driven research over the next three years.
The scientific data generated by these students will contribute to a better understanding of the genetic intricacies regulating developmental processes. This model, has already resulted in four peer-reviewed publications with 135 student co-authors. Detroit Mercy will assess the impact that participation in Fly-CURE has on student’s ability to meet common learning objectives in undergraduate genetics lab courses. We will also study the effects of how multiple research experiences change student attitudes towards scientific research, thus shaping their career trajectory.
These studies will not only drive improvements in the implementation of Fly-CURE, but will also contribute more broadly to our understanding of the effects of undergraduate research experiences on student success and persistence toward STEM careers. Principal Investigator Jacob Kagey has piloted expansion of the project and this award will bring Fly-CURE to 20 colleges and universities across the nation, both private and public, and of varying sizes and student demographics. Together they will be developing novel pedagogical instruments, training and communication tactics all along the way. Participating institutions include the following:
· Nevada State College, Co-PI: Kayla Bieser
· Illinois State University, Co-PI: Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer
· University of Evansville, Co-PI: Joyce Stamm
· Ohio Wesleyan University
· Albion State University
· Ohio Northern University
For more information contact Jacob Kagy, kageyja@udmercy.edu
