A bioinformatics-driven CURE extension increases student self-efficacy and interest in biomedical research

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Undergraduate Education

Background:

• The biology workforce requires bioinformatics training, yet it's not universally integrated into undergraduate curricula.
• There is a persistent need to enhance undergraduate students' access to authentic research experiences.
• Existing course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) show promise but may not fully replicate independent research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of CURE+, a one-semester extension of a bioinformatics CURE, on student learning and engagement.
• To assess if CURE+ effectively bridges the gap in undergraduate research opportunities (UREs) at institutions with high student-to-faculty ratios.
• To measure changes in student self-efficacy, interest in bioinformatics and research, and emotional connection to their projects.

Main Methods:

• Implemented CURE+ with individual, bioinformatics-driven research projects, including career development and mentoring.
• Assessed student self-efficacy in bioinformatics and research skills through pre- and post-experience measures.
• Evaluated student interest in bioinformatics and biomedical research, project-related emotions, and mastery of learning outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant increases observed in student self-efficacy across various bioinformatics and research skills.
• Demonstrated a notable rise in student interest in bioinformatics activities and biomedical research.
• Students reported positive emotions towards their projects, with most mastering the defined learning outcomes.

Conclusions:

• An intensive CURE extension, like CURE+, can provide a transformative research experience for undergraduates.
• CURE+ effectively addresses the limited access to traditional undergraduate research experiences (UREs).
• This model offers a scalable solution to enhance bioinformatics training and research skills development in biology undergraduates.