The Spine Lab: A Short-Duration, Fully-Remote Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) offer authentic lab work but are often long, in-person, and costly.
• Online and short-duration CUREs are needed to increase accessibility for students and institutions.
• Synaptic spines are crucial for brain information processing, and their dysfunction is linked to human disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a short-duration, fully-online CURE focused on synaptic spine analysis in mammalian brains.
• To investigate changes in cortical neuron spine density and morphology in a mouse model with learning impairments (forebrain-specific β-catenin knockouts).
• To assess the impact of this online CURE on student learning, STEM identity, and attitudes toward science.

Main Methods:

• Students analyzed cortical neuron spine density and morphology in β-catenin knockout (β-cat cKO) and control mice.
• Data analysis was conducted collaboratively by students in pairs and as a class.
• Student learning and STEM identity were assessed using pre- and post-tests, including content quizzes and surveys.

Main Results:

• The β-cat cKO mice exhibited significantly reduced spine density compared to controls.
• Spine structural maturation was not altered in the β-cat cKO mice.
• Participation in the online CURE led to improved content knowledge and STEM identity scores.

Conclusions:

• Short-duration, fully-online CUREs like the Spine Lab can effectively provide authentic research experiences.
• This online CURE demonstrates comparable benefits to traditional CUREs, enhancing student outcomes.
• The Spine Lab offers an inclusive approach to CUREs, potentially broadening access to undergraduate research.