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Introducing a Novel Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Using Duckweed as a Model System
J Daniels1, M McCallum1, N Neal2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Integrative Organismal Biology (Oxford, England)
|January 16, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) lab using duckweed to teach ecological concepts and environmental management. Students gain hands-on research skills investigating duckweed
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Biology Education
Background:
- Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) offer scalable scientific inquiry opportunities.
- Bridging core biological concepts with environmental applications is crucial for undergraduate education.
- Duckweed (Lemna) is an underutilized model organism for ecological and environmental research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a CURE lab for introductory biology students.
- To investigate duckweed's ecological roles, pollutant remediation capabilities, and bioresource potential.
- To enhance students' scientific research skills through hands-on experimentation and data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Curriculum development focusing on duckweed for ecological interactions and environmental management.
- Student-led experimentation on duckweed's role in ecosystem dynamics and pollutant remediation.
- Utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis for reproducible research.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation with 192 students over three semesters.
- Generation of reliable and highly reproducible duckweed growth data.
- Demonstration of duckweed's application in addressing environmental challenges.
Conclusions:
- The CURE lab effectively bridges traditional labs with authentic research experiences.
- Students gain practical skills in conducting reproducible experiments, analyzing data, and communicating findings.
- This curriculum enhances undergraduate biology education by integrating research into coursework.
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