ATE Project Talks: Incorporating Course-Based Research and Developing Genome Editing Coursework

Welcome to the InnovATEBIO 2023 series of virtual ATE project talks.  This series features leaders in biotechnology workforce education from across the US sharing their work on exciting projects funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.  The ATE program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy.

Our two speakers will talk about the question of why dogs are more social than wolves and how they implemented a course-based research projects to have students investigate this question.

You'll also learn about the challenge of delivering genome editing coursework in a post-pandemic reality. 

Each talk will be 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for questions and discussion.

View the whole series of InnovATEBIO 2023 ATE project talks.

Talk 1:  Incorporating a course-based research experience in high school and community college courses in Southeast Nebraska

Description:  This webinar will focus on implementation of an ATE project centered on connecting a dog's genotype to their phenotypic behavior, helping to answer the question of why dogs are much more social than wolves. Learn more about Southeast Community College's efforts to work with industry partners to equip local high school teachers with skills to teach industry based skills in the context of authentic research.

Speakers:  Dr. Misty Wehling, Gabrielle Johnson, Dr. Tracy Niday, Southeastern Community College, Lincoln, NE

• Learn more about the Incorporating a course-based research experience in high school and community college courses in Southeast Nebraska ATE project

Talk 2:  Our Curriculum Development Challenge:  Genome Editing Coursework Delivery in a Post-Pandemic Enrollment Reality

Description:  Despite expanding biotechnology industry and high workforce demand for trained workers in our local St. Louis area, struggles continue with recruitment into the St. Louis Community College Biotechnology Program.  Low enrollment adds extra challenges for course delivery from an institutional and industry partner (providing adjunct professors) perspective. How this grant team is navigating the environment will be discussed along with the current approach.

Speakers:  Elizabeth Boedecker PhD (PI), District Director, Beth Elam Michaud (CoPI), Center for Plant and Life Sciences, St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley, St. Louis, MO

• Learn more about the Expanding the Bio-Bench - Targeted Genome Editing ATE project