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Mentoring interdisciplinary undergraduate students via a team effort
Istvan Karsai1, Jeff Knisley, Debra Knisley
1Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, USA. karsai@etsu.edu
CBE Life Sciences Education
|September 3, 2011
Summary
A team mentoring strategy successfully recruits and guides students into mathematical biology research. This approach fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and enhances undergraduate research success in quantitative biology.
Area of Science:
- Mathematical Biology
- Quantitative Biology
- Interdisciplinary Science
Background:
- Undergraduate research in mathematical biology requires effective recruitment and guidance strategies.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics, statistics, and life sciences is crucial for advancing quantitative biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a team-based mentoring strategy for recruiting and advancing students in mathematical biology.
- To demonstrate how this strategy fosters interest and success in undergraduate research within this field.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a team approach as a mentoring strategy for students.
- Utilizing lab rotations in the first semester for student exposure to research.
- Facilitating interdisciplinary teams comprising students and faculty from biology and mathematics.
Main Results:
- The team concept effectively establishes interdisciplinary research environments.
- Students gain initial research experience and an overview of quantitative biology.
- The strategy successfully incorporates new students into existing research efforts.
Conclusions:
- A team approach is a viable mentoring strategy for mathematical biology undergraduate research.
- This method enhances student interest, recruitment, and success in interdisciplinary research.
- Successful team-building strategies are key to fostering genuine interdisciplinary research environments.
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