| NSF Org: |
DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | July 8, 2010 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | June 4, 2012 |
| Award Number: | 1003649 |
| Award Instrument: | Continuing Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Virginia Carter
vccarter@nsf.gov (703)292-4651 DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education EDU Directorate for STEM Education |
| Start Date: | August 1, 2010 |
| End Date: | July 31, 2015 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $878,682.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $878,682.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2011 = $297,303.00 FY 2012 = $290,000.00 |
| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
100 CAMPUS DR DOVER DE US 19904-1383 (302)454-3900 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
100 CAMPUS DR DOVER DE US 19904-1383 |
| Primary Place of Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): |
S-STEM-Schlr Sci Tech Eng&Math, Advanced Tech Education Prog |
| Primary Program Source: |
04001112DB NSF Education & Human Resource 04001213DB NSF Education & Human Resource 1300XXXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.076 |
ABSTRACT
This project is broadening student involvement in undergraduate research and establishing undergraduate research as an essential component of a two-year community college education to better prepare students as future employees of the region's biotechnology industry. Regional industry representatives promote undergraduate research for the development of strong non-technical skills, and the life science industry requires employees to have these skills in addition to technical skills. In addition to providing support for students participating in undergraduate research, this project is providing support and professional development for faculty mentors, increasing connectedness and retention of students in the STEM technologies, increasing partnerships with local universities, high schools, and industries, and disseminating knowledge of research methodology to the College and local community. The benefits for students include a better understanding of the relevance of classes and improved critical thinking skills. Additionally, students learn to work independently and collaboratively, learn to recognize errors, and gain self-confidence. When students enter the workforce, they have developed inquisitiveness and an understanding of how research is applied to 'real-life' problems. They know how to methodically look for solutions and analyze results.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Under the Supporting Industry through Education: Student Mentoring and Research Techniques (SITE SMART) grant, students were provided with research opportunities which were strengthened by providing faculty mentors with professional development opportunities and partnership with local universities and industries. These initiatives increased the connectedness and retention of students in the Biotechnology program at Delaware Technical Community College.
With support from this grant, changes in pedagogy resulted in a significant increase in preparedness and success of students in the Biotechnology program. With support for professional development opportunities for instructors and funding for supplies, high impact practices such as research-based laboratories, case studies, scientific literature, and data analysis were incorporated into courses. Hundreds of students (more than 50% female and 40% underrepresented minorities) across disciplines were exposed to engaging, authentic learning experiences. These important changes in content delivery within Biology and Chemistry courses impacted the success of students in the STEM fields leading to an increase in the size of the program and 50% increase in graduation rates. The initiatives developed under this grant will be sustained as research as pedagogy is incorporated throughout the college with faculty workshops and professional development.
Research opportunities outside of the classroom increased student self-efficacy, attitudes towards pursuing advanced degrees, and employability skills. Mentored research opportunities were provided for students with laboratory space, faculty mentors, and supplies. Students were engaged in a variety of projects including investigating soil microbial communities, insect and fern barcoding, bat diet, incidence of Borrelia in ticks, microbiome of white nose syndrome infected bats, and bioinformatics. Students scientific reasoning and communication skills were strengthened through presentations at poster sessions at the college and nationally
Multiple collaborations were formed with scientists at four-year institutions that gave rise to increased prospects for summer research experiences for students. The gain students had in skills and experience led to increased success after transfer to four-year institutions and doctorate of pharmacy programs. The regional bioscience industry recognizes the program graduates for their advanced technical skills as well as in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork which has resulted in increased employment for the graduates.
Last Modified: 09/18/2015
Modified by: Virginia L Balke
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