How HHMI’s Science Education Alliance is changing the way we teach science to thousands of undergraduates, training them as researchers who can confront real-world problems — such as antibiotic resistance.
Beta Phage Hunters Making New Discoveries in Science
Provided by Howard Hughes Medical Institute — Science Education Alliance, USA
Unlike the lecture-based method, this model throws SEA students–usually in their first or second year–right into discovery science.
Using the SEA-PHAGES program, these budding investigators take soil samples, find and name bacteriophages (or ‘phages’), and even suss out the genomes of the bacterial viruses.
By the end of SEA, most students have conducted their first independent research experiment and named a newly discovered phage before they even declared an undergraduate major.
In addition to being engaging, it is a research-based method that allows students to participate fully in the scientific community at large; for instance, many SEA students have published their data and obtained competitive research positions.
Creating More Inclusive Research & Keeping Women in the Profession
An accessible Research-Education Community (iREC) model unites new and veteran astronomers in the science; the program design includes innovative approaches for access to scientific endeavors.
The SEA helps the full spectrum of institutions to provide genuine research experiences to their students, from community colleges and tribal college to large-scale universities, by providing faculty with ready-to-go curriculum, training and year-round support.
Likewise, this is imperative because community colleges have some of the highest percentage of underrepresented STEM student enrollments.
SEA can help retain those students in the STEMM pipeline by getting them involved in research, however modestly, much earlier in their academic career.
Studies have shown that undergraduates who engage in research experiences are more likely to obtain a STEMM degree and many SEA students end up pursuing advanced degrees from some of the best top universities in STEMM fields.
Conclusion
HHMI’s Science Education Alliance is changing the way college biology is taught by turning students into researchers and empowering them to be full, active participants in science.
Through providing inclusive research opportunities and connecting students with the intrigue of discovery science, SEA is not only cultivating our future STEMM leaders but is also tackling pressing challenges such as the increasing threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
The evidence suggests that this new model for science education can lead to a greater STEMM pipeline of students — which is to the benefit of the broader society.
