Implementing team science in undergraduate medical physics research

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Undergraduate Research
• Team Science

Background:

• Physics majors often lack awareness of medical applications of their skills.
• Undergraduate education typically focuses on departmental research, limiting exposure to interdisciplinary fields.
• There is a need for innovative research experiences to broaden student career perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an alternative 10-week summer undergraduate research experience framework.
• To utilize a collaborative Team Science approach to introduce physics applications in medicine.
• To assess the impact of this program on student attitudes and understanding of research.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week Team Science program was piloted with four undergraduate students.
• Students rotated through four distinct research projects, assuming varied team roles.
• Validated surveys (Attitudes and Approaches to Problem Solving Survey, Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey for Experimental Physics, Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment Survey) quantified changes in student attitudes and self-assessment.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in average self-reported scores: 9.8% in Attitudes and Approaches to Problem Solving Survey and 14.2% in Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey for Experimental Physics.
• Students reported highest gains in understanding everyday research work, engaging in real-world science, and future preparation.
• Qualitative responses further supported positive shifts in student perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The Team Science model facilitated exploration of multiple research questions and provided an authentic research experience.
• This approach enhances understanding of collaborative research dynamics and integrates scientific inquiry.
• The program model can be adapted to encourage physics students to consider medical physics careers for advancing human health.