Course-Based uNDERGRADUATE rESEARCH eXPERIENCE THE C.U.R.E. FOR THE COMMON LAB
About me
I am an undergraduate student at Portland State University majoring in biology. I am currently conducting research in the Stedman Lab studying archaeal virus protein amino acid structure and functional characteristics. As an undergraduate, the opportunity to conduct research has helped me to identify more specific career goals as well as the decision to pursue a graduate degree in biology. Through this capstone experience I have also identified my passion for teaching. I hope to be able to help other students by sharing my experiences and helping them to achieve their own goals. The most rewarding part of this project is seeing the individual progression of the students. I find happiness in their successes and sympathize with their frustrations. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in this capacity early on in my academic career and look forward to applying what I have learned to teaching in the future.
Benefit to students
Research has shown that many major roadblocks to student success stem from a lack of confidence in their knowledge and ability, my goal is to address these stigmas through mentorship, encouragement, and transparency. I hope to help students identify their strengths and passions; giving them the fuel to create their own path which is fulfilling in their chosen field. Additionally, research performed by CURE students has the potential to be included in research publications written by the Stedman Lab
aim and goal of project
I aim to address general academic stigmas related to Imposter Syndrome through transparency and communication. Offering students examples by sharing personal experiences, reducing potential academic frustration through guidance and positive reinforcement, and helping students to realize their own potentials, abilities, and skill.
Why this project?
I chose this project because I am passionate about science and education. I attended this class as an undergraduate in 2018 and have seen how engaging in hands on work can benefit a student. As an assistant TA and mentor, I am able to interact with students as a group and one on one, helping with issues that arise, engage them in the activities, and providing guidance and clarification.
What is A C.U.R.E?
Designed with the goal of improving students persistence and success in STEM as well as higher education, CUREs make research accessible to a broader and more diverse group of students – whereas generally only a small number of students get the opportunity to partake in active research. CUREs are useful for influencing students educational and career trajectories, helping them to identify early on in higher education their potential interest in pursuing science-research related educational and/or career paths. CUREs aim to engage students in the classroom through hands-on experience, allowing ownership of the work performed, and through engagement and guidance in answering a diverse array of research questions.