The Pipeline CURE: An Iterative Approach to Introduce All Students to Research Throughout a Biology Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Biology Education
• Undergraduate Research
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Undergraduate research offers significant benefits but faces institutional barriers, particularly for underrepresented students.
• Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) increase access but are often limited to a single semester, hindering novice skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Pipeline CURE, a framework designed to integrate a single research question across a biology curriculum.
• To address the challenge of limited research experience duration for undergraduates by providing sustained engagement.

Main Methods:

• Introduced students to a consistent research system (C. elegans epigenetics) starting in their first major course.
• Integrated repeated exposure to the research system across subsequent courses.
• Offered an optional upper-level research experience following the curriculum-embedded sequence.

Main Results:

• The Pipeline CURE framework fosters resilience through repeated exposure to the same research system.
• The iterative, curriculum-embedded design is adaptable to various institutions and research questions.

Conclusions:

• The Pipeline CURE model effectively overcomes barriers to undergraduate research participation.
• This innovative model unites evidence-based teaching with authentic scientific research for enhanced student learning and engagement.