To enhance our students’ appreciation of the true nature of the chemical world, our NSF S-STEM project looks at increasing the threshold concept of visual-spatial learning. The ability to appreciate, visualize and extrapolate that proteins are three-dimensional (3D) in the natural world, increases students understanding of chemical reactions as well as the direct link between a protein’s structure and function.  We have established a yearly seminar course for the S-STEM scholars to investigate how using 3D molecular modeling enhances students’ visual-spatial learning, supports cohort-building, and contributes to undergraduate success in the sciences. We are currently in our fourth year of the program and are excited to share our finds here.<br/>The molecule of choice has been the hemoglobin protein. Our students have identified and investigated a wide breadth of hemoglobin molecules, not solely limited to human hemoglobin. Each hemoglobin primary sequence has been obtained from the RCSB Protein Data Base and its 3D structure has been highlighted through the computer program Jmol. This process has helped the students appreciate that each unique protein sequence results in its own 3D structure. Our students have been able to visualize and appreciate the 3D structure through 3D-printing of their hemoglobins by the Center for BioMolecular Modeling at MSOE. Our scholars have also been able to take a walk through their hemoglobin molecules using the VR Nanome program. Evaluation though standardized and routine assessment, have found that our S-STEM scholars have improved significantly in the ability to mentally rotate objects.<br/>Lastly, this program aims to increase our scholars feeling like a scientist. To this end, our scholars have been introduced to panels of women scientists who have shared their science journeys.  When possible, the students have also visited different industries/companies in the Milwaukee area that have scientist working there. These interventions have increased our scholars career motivation and intrinsic grade motivation.

Appreciating the three-dimensional chemical world one hemoglobin molecule at a time.

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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