Advancing Integrative Pollinator Biology Education With Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Education
• Genetics

Background:

• The Anthropocene presents environmental challenges requiring cross-disciplinary pollination researchers.
• Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) offer integrative research training and introduce new technologies.
• CUREs can crowdsource research and improve retention of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present pollinator research CUREs as models for undergraduate integrative biology training.
• To demonstrate how CUREs can generate data on human impacts on pollination systems.
• To highlight the use of emerging technologies in undergraduate research.

Main Methods:

• Metabarcoding CURE using nanopore sequencing to analyze urban apiary pollen profiles.
• Field biology and DNA barcoding CURE to assess urban pollinator habitat restoration success.
• Place-based CURE involving DNA barcoding experiments and database contributions.

Main Results:

• CUREs successfully integrate classical and molecular techniques for ecological research.
• Student-led research provides data on urban pollination systems and habitat restoration.
• Place-based CUREs positively impact STEM perceptions, particularly for Hispanic students.

Conclusions:

• Pollinator-centered CUREs effectively integrate diverse approaches and technologies.
• These CUREs contribute valuable scientific knowledge and are adaptable to various institutions.
• Collaboration is needed to scale CUREs for training future integrative biologists in advanced technologies.