Wild Caught Nematode Identification and Early Embryo Development: An accessible undergraduate research experience

Area of Science:

• Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) are crucial for STEM career retention.
• Community college students benefit significantly from hands-on research training.
• Developing practical skills enhances competitiveness for future research positions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce community college students to primary literature and scientific methodology.
• To facilitate student-driven discovery in developmental biology using C. elegans.
• To provide practical experience in worm maintenance, microscopy, PCR, and sequencing analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and wild-caught nematodes for an affordable research model.
• Integrated essential techniques including literature review, hypothesis development, and experimental design.
• Employed microscopy, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and sequencing analysis for data generation.

Main Results:

• Students gained proficiency in core molecular biology and microscopy techniques.
• The project fostered an understanding of developmental biology principles.
• Student-driven inquiry led to the exploration of unknown biological outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This URE model effectively engages community college students in authentic research.
• The use of C. elegans provides a versatile and cost-effective platform for undergraduate research.
• The program successfully stimulated interest and developed critical skills for STEM careers.