Recruitment, Bridge Course and Undergraduate Research Experience (RBCURE)
Award ID: 2336011
Project Personnel
This project involves faculty from five distinct disciplines. Dr. Erik Crosman serves as Assistant Department Head and is an Environmental Sciences faculty member. Dr. Carla Eichler is a faculty member in Geology while Dr. Maha Shrestha is a faculty member in Organic Chemistry. Dr. Keshav Shrestha (no relation) is a faculty member in Physics while Dr. Flynn (PI) is a professor of Biochemistry.
Project Activities
The RBCURE project is an interdisciplinary project that will enhance the quality of undergraduate education at West Texas A&M University. Project activities include the following:
- Curriculum redesign in CHEM 1305 and GEOL 1401
- Bridge courses that allow students interested in majoring in a CP or LEES degree to move into the part two majors chemistry course (1412) or geology course (1405) without having to go back and take CHEM 1411 or GEOL 1403
- A research faculty workshop designed to help faculty with mentoring undergraduate research students
- Research student support modules designed to help research students gain operational knowledge needed to conduct and report research
Project Objectives
The underlying objective of all project activities is to improve the quality of undergraduate education at West Texas A&M University. Specific project objectives include:
- Increase student success in redesign chemistry and geology courses
- Evaluate the effectiveness of online bridge courses for student recruitment and success in targeted STEM fields
- Assess the effectiveness of the research faculty workshop on undergraduate research student experiences
- Improve undergraduate research experiences through the use of research student support modules
Anticipated Impacts
Impacts of this project are expected to extend across members of our student population, science faculty, and our institution to broaden participation, enhance teaching and learning, and increase recruitment and retention of students into STEM degrees. Project faculty will share findings and project products through numerous formats including research presentations, QR codes and publications. Faculty at other higher education institutions will be able to learn the effectiveness of project designs as well.
Project Timeline
Project members started to implement activities during the Fall 2024 semester. The project will last through March 31st, 2027. Please feel free to refer back to this webpage for project updates.
Additional Information
If you are interested in additional information concerning the project or described activities please feel free to contact Dr. Nick Flynn (PI):
Dr. Nick Flynn
806-651-2542