Maine Center for Research in STEM Education (RiSE Center)
Colloquia & Seminar Series
Presents
Mindi Summers, Ph.D.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Calgary
Monday, April 11, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Zoom only (link and password available by email)
Engaging students as scientists:
Designing community-based research and experiential learning in biology
Abstract:
In this session, I will discuss ongoing efforts to design and evaluate undergraduate course-based research and community-engaged learning experiences in biology. Students have surveyed insect biodiversity in partnership with The City of Calgary, digitized natural history collections through collaborations with our university librarians, barcoded seafood available at local grocery stores to discover misidentifications, and conducted literature reviews for local non-profits.
In all of these projects, students have used their curiosity to ask questions, engaged in the process of discovery and reflection, and shared their work beyond the course. I will discuss a “blue sky thinking” approach, partnership collaboration strategies, and the research framework used to integrate these experiences into existing courses. I will then share student and instructional team experiences with these projects and results from surveys used to identify key learning outcomes. Through this session, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own teaching goals and how we can work together to create collaborative opportunities for students in science.
Bio:
Dr. Mindi Summers is a Senior Instructor in Biological Sciences. She teaches courses in invertebrate zoology, animal behaviour, evolution, and entomology that incorporate experiential learning, research experiences, and community engagement. Dr. Summers’ research focuses on student learning and undergraduate research experiences in invertebrate biodiversity, urban environments, and plant-pollinator interactions.
To be added to the Colloquium email list and receive the Zoom link and password, please email the RiSE Center: risecenter@maine.edu.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Natasha Speer by email or phone: 207.581.3937.