MicrobioME: a CURE model for diverse microbiology laboratory classrooms.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology Education
• Biotechnology
• Scientific Pedagogy

Background:

• Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) are crucial for student success in STEM but are often inaccessible.
• Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) enhance access but are underrepresented in microbiology curricula.
• Faculty face significant challenges in developing affordable and relevant CUREs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the MicrobioME CURE for pathogenic microbiology laboratory courses.
• To assess the scalability, affordability, and modularity of the MicrobioME CURE.
• To provide resources for implementing the MicrobioME CURE at other institutions.

Main Methods:

• The MicrobioME CURE involves students isolating skin bacteria and investigating their impact on *Staphylococcus aureus* biofilm production.
• Implementation was studied across two diverse laboratory courses at the University of Kansas and West Virginia University.
• Student outcomes were compared across cohorts with varying class sizes, research backgrounds, and faculty expertise.

Main Results:

• The MicrobioME CURE demonstrated scalability and affordability across different implementation environments.
• Student participation in authentic research was successfully integrated into laboratory coursework.
• The CURE design proved modular, adaptable to varied course structures and faculty expertise.

Conclusions:

• The MicrobioME CURE provides a practical and accessible solution for increasing authentic research experiences in microbiology.
• This CURE model effectively addresses faculty challenges in CURE development and implementation.
• The MicrobioME CURE has the potential to broaden student access to valuable research skills and opportunities.