A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) using Ocean Plastic Microbes as a Framework that Is Impactful for Both In-Person and Online Course Modalities
Table 7
Example quotes from open-ended questions (2019–2021).
Question
Student answer
Student major and level
What worked? Describe up to three things that you liked and/or worked well in this course
“I really liked that we got to be involved in examining the overall big picture of the plastic problem. / I tried to hide my enthusiasm as I have been following and studying the plastics problem for a while on my own. I loved that we got to see the process and learned the history of the research facility. I also loved getting out of the classroom/lab and apply what we have been learning out in the real world”
NM, in-person
“The field trip worked well because it gave me the student, to actually meet scientists in the field and see what kind of things they really do, not just from a power point presentation”
LDM, in-person
“Actually going to the site where the project was actively ongoing and talking to the Scientist working on the project and conversing with them and seeing how excited they were in the explaining of all aspects of the project with us knowing what level students we were. I found that this is what drove home the process of field work and the passion that can only be displayed firsthand”
UDM, in-person
“I liked getting to meet the people who were involved in the project and hearing their perspective. I liked the advice given by all the panel members on how to get involved and seek out opportunities in the scientific field. I liked learning about the project itself and hope it will have a big impact on the future of the plastics industry”
LDM, virtual.
We are planning similar research experiences for other Biology courses. What are your recommendations?
“I believe for a school like NU, having the professors/doctors/research coordinators brief us on their career paths, seemed unnecessary. For a traditional college where most students are 18 and fresh out of high school, it would be a worthy experience. The research project should be geared more to generating awareness of the projects, not how to conduct personal goals. I found myself feeling as though that portion was targeted toward an audience that National does not often cater to”
NM, in-person
“The research experience was invaluable. I think they should be marketed better and more emphasis placed on the research experience”
UDM, in-person
“I liked getting to meet the people who were involved in the project and hearing their perspective”
