Research shows that early research experiences can impact success and retention in STEM majors. As part of our collaboration with the First2 Network we hosted a virtual summer research immersive at the University of Charleston, where first generation rising freshmen participated in a citizen science project looking at the American beech tree in hiking trails throughout the state, correlating tree health with soil chemical variables and mapping their observations using a GIS mapping tool. In the Fall, students from this summer program were bridged to our new CURE (Biology and Chemistry of WV Environments) in which the effects of habitat fragmentation (in the form of forest trail use) in invasive species and soil and water quality was explored. A large portion of the course was devoted to practicing writing skills and statistical analysis of data. Each student focused on a small part of the overall project and also collaborated together as they refined the research questions, problem solved and incorporated their findings together. Students will present their findings in a conference in the Spring of 2021. Results from post-CURE surveys indicate that students who participated in both experiences rated their expertise in research related activities higher, even before the course began, compared to students who only participated in the course. Also, they showed higher scores on items that measure positive attitude toward science learning. This preliminary case study suggests that the combination of these consecutive early research experiences may be synergistic in amplifying the skills and attitudes gained and thus researcher identity.

A case study of the impact of bridging a summer research immersive into a freshman level course-based undergraduate research experience

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.