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Objectives
Numerous studies have shown that students rank undergraduate research experience as one of the most important factors when deciding whether to pursue graduate studies or a career in research. With that in mind, the objectives of this first initiative are:
- to bring inquiry-based experiences to beginning undergraduates in the classroom, exposing them to the excitement of true scientific discovery as early as possible;
- to train and support a network of faculty from both large and small universities and colleges to implement the course;
- to connect participating students and faculty in a common experiment nationwide, so that they may share results, resources, and expertise;
- to develop and centralize course materials to minimize the impact on faculty time.
“I'm convinced that undergraduate students can make a significant research contribution to the area of genomics if we choose the right kinds of projects,” says Brad Goodner, HHMI undergraduate program director at Hiram College in Ohio and SEA advisor for the genomics initiative.
In SEA's first major undertaking, novice undergraduate students will participate in an authentic research experience—integrated into an introductory laboratory course—that will result in a significant contribution to the broader genomics field.
Through SEA, which will be based at Janelia Farm, HHMI will support the development and adoption of this research-based laboratory course. It has committed three years of support to up to 36 institutions in the form of resources to develop the course, reagents and laboratory components, computing support and software, and an Internet networking infrastructure for all participants.
During fall 2007, SEA staff will begin recruitment for the initial 12 sites that will implement this unique course during the 2008–2009 academic year. The recruitment goal is to identify a mix of colleges and universities to participate with an expectation that up to 20 students will take the course at each location. Participating faculty will be expected to meet three times with SEA staff and scientists before teaching the course for workshops, training, and networking.
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