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Friday, November 15
 

8:15am EST

Registration Open
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 8:00pm EST
Exact location is TBA
Report to the second floor lobby of Westin Pittsburgh.
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 8:00pm EST
Westin Downtown Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

8:30am EST

ABRCMS Passholders: ABRCMS program runs 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday November 15, 2024 8:30am - 7:00pm EST
Additional purchase of ABRCMS conference pass (only $100 for ASMCUE attendees) is required to attend ABRMCS. Learn more at abrcms.org
Friday November 15, 2024 8:30am - 7:00pm EST
David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

9:00am EST

Continuing your Biology Education Research:  What are you doing, how’s it going, and how can we help?
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Only open to participants of the Getting Started in Biology Education Research webinar series, held in summer 2022 and 2024. Pre-registration required.

This workshop will bring together past webinar participants for collaborative work on fledgling biology education research projects. The facilitators will help attendees think through your research question, study design methods, collaborators, and other questions. You can expect a lively and immersive workshop to help you think through some of the more difficult aspects of starting scholarship in the field.
Speakers
avatar for Carlos Goller

Carlos Goller

Associate Teaching Professor, North Carolina State University
I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and teach in the Biotechnology Program (BIT) at North Carolina State University. I am very interested in integrating open practices in the courses I teach. I believe strongly in non-throwaway assignments... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Westmoreland East Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15274

9:00am EST

Crawl, Walk, Run:  Exploring the road to cultural competencies
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Pre-registration required. There are spots in this workshop; email ASMCUE@asmusa.org to pre-register.

This workshop is designed to create awareness and build cultural competency strategies to maintain and sustain an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging within the spaces you occupy. The Crawl, Walk, Run workshops challenge participants to engage in honest yet effective dialogue, reflect on information received and experiences shared, to create an equity plan moving forward. Come ready to engage and learn from one another.


Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Allegheny I Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15275

9:00am EST

Staying Alive: An Engaging Workshop Exploring HHMI BioInteractive's Infectious Disease Resources
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
SOLD OUT! This pre-conference workshop is full.

Are we prepared for the next pandemic? Students and the general public often have misconceptions about infectious diseases, including about how society can prevent the next pandemic. Participants will explore BioInteractive resources that simulate the spread of infectious disease, examine how our immune response protects from disease, and model vaccine effectiveness. Through this interactive workshop, participants will identify and discuss effective approaches to incorporate these resources in their own courses that will enhance student learning of infectious disease. Participants will need to bring their own laptop to this workshop.
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276

9:00am EST

TWIM podcast annotation training to provide virtual science literacy internship opportunities for students
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
SOLD OUT! This pre-conference workshop is full.

Participants will review the ASM fundamental Statements with an emphasis on Scientific Thinking and walk through how to use This Week in Microbiology (TWiM) episodes to illustrate basic principles of microbiology (Structure/Function, Information Flow, Evolution, Metabolism, Systems and Microbial Impact), lab techniques, and scientific thinking. The workshop hosts will walk participants through the process of podcast annotation, where students listen to TWiM episodes and work collaboratively to create an annotation that connects the topics discussed in the podcast to ASM’s 27 fundamental statements, the 6 Vision and Change categories, and the concepts they have learned in class. In addition, we will use papers presented in a podcast episode as the basis to create short figure-reading and science literacy exercises that are aligned to ASM’s curricular guidelines. Workshop participants (and their students) will be invited to contribute to an Open Education Resource as chapter-authors.
Speakers
NB

Nancy Boury

Associate Professor, Iowa State University
Microbiologist interested in active learning, assessment, buildling and using case studies to teach general microbiology, general biology, general genetics.
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 12:15pm EST
Butler Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15273

9:00am EST

From course to publication: A guide to data analysis and publications with students in microbiome science
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 1:00pm EST
Pre-registration is free but required and there are spots open; email ASMCUE@asmusa.org to register.

If you are interested in incorporating bioinformatics or data science concepts into a course, or working with students on data that is immediately publishable, then this workshop is for you! The workshop focuses on analyzing microbial data in the free, open source KBase platform, following a workflow that results in a publishable genomic dataset for an ASM Microbiology Resource Announcement.

This workshop will provide examples of how educators use KBase (kbase.us) with their students – from CUREs to independent research. Participants will be introduced to resources developed through the Program for Microbiome Workforce Development (NSF #2316244) and KBase Educators (bit.ly/kbase-edu), including teaching and template workflows to analyze raw data and streamline data publications. Together, we will go through steps in the data analysis to publication process, starting with an example isolate or metagenome dataset. We will also introduce the importance of good sample metadata and environmental ontologies. Everyone will have access to these tools and resources after the workshop to use with their students and adapt for future use!

For questions, please contact Ellen Dow - egdow@lbl.gov.

Target Audience: Relevant for educators who want to integrate (new, more, any) computational biology tools and resources into their courses, support student-curated data publications, or just change up existing course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of genome assembly and annotation, currently teaching or planning to teach courses and/or independent student research that include computational biology, bioinformatics, and isolate or community-based microbiology data analysis.
Speakers
ED

Ellen Dow

Lawrence Bekeley National Laboratory
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 1:00pm EST
Somerset Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15309

12:15pm EST

Lunch Break (on your own)
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST
There are lots of options for food around the Westin, including food court at the adjacent convention center.
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST
Westin Downtown Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

12:15pm EST

Macmillan focus group: Focus on an Immersive Learning Experience for A&P Course
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST
Invitation-only event; self-nominate to participate with this link.

A complimentary lunch will be served during the focus group as we explore these educational advancements. Participants will receive an honorarium of $150. To qualify for the honorarium, participation in the focus group and completion of the follow-up survey are required.

Discuss how VR offers groundbreaking solutions in simulating complex anatomical and physiological processes with realism and interactivity, and how educators can integrate VR technology with courseware to better prepare students for lectures and evaluate their learning using advanced question formats.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 1:45pm EST
Westmoreland East Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15274

1:15pm EST

Buddies Meet-up
Friday November 15, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST
For participants in the ASMCUE buddies peer-mentoring program.
Friday November 15, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST
Butler Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15273

1:45pm EST

First-timers' orientation
Friday November 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EST
Join the ASMCUE Planning Committee for a fun and interactive orientation to ASMCUE and its community.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Collins

Kelly Collins

Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University
I have been at WVU for two years where I am the Vice Chair of Undergraduate Education for the Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology Department. In this role, I administer our department's undergraduate Immunology and Microbiology (IMMB) Bachelor of Science degree.  I am always... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276

1:45pm EST

Networking activity for returning ASMCUE attendees
Friday November 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EST
To be announced.
Speakers
NB

Nancy Boury

Associate Professor, Iowa State University
Microbiologist interested in active learning, assessment, buildling and using case studies to teach general microbiology, general biology, general genetics.
Friday November 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EST
Somerset Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15309

2:30pm EST

Opening comments & Plenary by Erica McGreevy
Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
2:30 - 2:55 PM Opening Comments by the ASMCUE Planning Committee and ASM Staff
3:00 - 3:30 PM Plenary talk by Dr. Erica McGreevy, Normalizing Struggle to Foster Belonging and Inclusive Classroom Norms: A Psychosocial Intervention Approach

Abstract:
Overcoming adversity is an integral part of the college journey. Struggling is essential for learning, and persevering through scientific challenges is a hallmark of a successful scientist. However, some students may misinterpret struggles in their science courses as a sign that they do not belong or are incapable of succeeding in science. This perception is especially common among students who enter college experiencing belonging uncertainty—those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, and first-generation students—who face societal stereotypes questioning their place and potential in science. For these students, encountering adversity can further exacerbate their belonging uncertainty, resulting in disengagement from their discipline and poor academic outcomes. This dynamic perpetuates academic performance gaps between different demographic groups, reinforcing inequalities in science. In this presentation, I will discuss an empirically validated ecological belonging intervention that normalizes overcoming adversity in college, encourages help-seeking behaviors, and reassures students that they belong despite setbacks. Implementing this short classroom activity early in the term establishes classroom norms that foster productive struggle, resulting in increased student engagement, improved learning outcomes, and a more equitable learning environment.  
 

Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Allegheny I Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15275

3:40pm EST

AI-Driven Innovations in Science Education: Strategies to Prevent Instructor Burnout and Enhance Learning
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
The evolving landscape of online education calls for strategies to avoid instructor burnout. This presentation explores how AI-driven course development, using Open Educational Resources (OER) and collaborative efforts between Learning Experience Designers (LXD) and faculty, creates efficient, content-rich courses. Emphasizing andragogy, we developed comprehensive materials (PowerPoints, quizzes, assignments, rubrics) and ensured all AI outputs were rigorously evaluated before implementation. Attendees will learn how these innovations enhance online learning while reducing instructor workload, promoting well-being, and ensuring student success.
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Allegheny I Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15275

3:40pm EST

Deadline improvements using a student-centered approach: Communication and responding to student emergencies
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
In post-pandemic classrooms, instructors strive to respond to demands for increased flexibility for student needs while keeping their students on track. Meeting these expectations in large introductory courses comes with the potential for hundreds of email responses and mentally taxing decisions about making allowances for students while maintaining fairness to others. This balancing act can lead to educator burnout and negatively impact student retention and curriculum development as one collapses under the burden. We have designed a system that encourages inclusivity, is well received by students, and reduces the workload on instructors by using student feedback and evidence-based practices.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Sarvary

Mark Sarvary

Director of The Biology Teaching Laboratories, Cornell University
Check out my website for more information: HTTP://sensitivescientist.comI live at the intersection of education research and science communication. As an educator and science communicator, my goal is to explore more effective ways to engage my audience, establish trust and get a dialogue... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276

3:40pm EST

Demystifying Undergraduate Research Experiences to Increase Access and Equity for Four-Year and Community College Students
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
While undergraduate research experiences are valuable, their acquisition has historically been inequitable, partly due to a lack of Scientific Research Cultural Capital (SRCC). To address this, we developed in-class "Research Workshops" at a four-year institution and local community college. These workshops educate students on UREs, including opportunities and benefits, and teach practical skills like using online resources and contacting professors. Students who participated showed increased interest in UREs. The workshops also enhanced students' skills in securing research experiences, communicating with faculty, and resilience. This approach may help a more diverse group of students participate in undergraduate research.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Somerset Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15309

3:40pm EST

Fostering Engagement and Community in the Classroom and Strategies for Supporting Undergraduate Learning Assistants in the Art of Teaching
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Incorporating undergraduate learning assistants (ULAs) in the STEM classroom consistently enhances student engagement, which we highlight here, as well as how ULAs in a large enrollment General Microbiology course cultivate student community while also significantly advancing the professional development of our ULAs. In this session, we will explore the practicality of involving ULAs to effectively meet students’ needs and provide guidance without overwhelming the instructor. Simultaneously, we will delve into mentoring ULAs in the art of teaching, fostering a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship that cultivates student engagement and a sense of belonging for all in academic settings.
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Butler Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15273

3:40pm EST

Using learning outcomes to focus your teaching on student learning
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Many instructors are unaware of the educational research highlighting successful evidence-based teaching practices. Studies suggest that frameworks that guide the development of assessments and activities aligned with learning outcomes provide valuable feedback that can enhance learning. Based on the latest ASM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology, this session will introduce participants to the process of class design using learning outcomes, thus shifting the focus from what the instructor will do to what the students will learn. During the workshop, participants will explore the structure and benefits of evidence-based teaching, then practice on the first step—writing learning outcomes.
Friday November 15, 2024 3:40pm - 4:10pm EST
Westmoreland East Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15274

4:20pm EST

From static to dynamic: Evaluating the effectiveness of a liquid syllabus in fostering student belonging and excitement for a course
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Recently, there has been a concerted effort to build syllabi to foster a more inclusive, welcoming introduction to a course. Research shows that when syllabi include supporting or welcoming statements, use warm/friendly language, or are learning-centered, students have a more positive impression of a course and instructor. One type of inclusive syllabus is the liquid syllabus, a dynamic, online version of a traditional course syllabus that is designed to be more accessible, interactive, and engaging for students. This presentation will discuss student views on the liquid syllabus and its effect on student sense of belonging, engagement, and instructor approachability.
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276

4:20pm EST

Impact of Pre-Recorded Lectures on Academic Performance: Enhancing Equity and Inclusivity for Student Learning
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
This session explores the use of pre-recorded lecture videos in an online asynchronous immunology & molecular biology class and their impact on student academic performance. During the session we will review the process of using pre-recorded lectures in an online course to promote equity and inclusivity in student learning while having a positive impact on academic performance. We will discuss our research study which demonstrated students who watched pre-recorded lecture videos performed better on exams and in the course.
Speakers
avatar for Linsey Donner

Linsey Donner

Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Westmoreland East Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15274

4:20pm EST

Making Friends with the Terminator: Understanding AI, How to Detect its Use, and Making it a Productive Part of Your Classroom
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
The rise of large language models (LLMs) has introduced new tools that can enhance student productivity. While LLMs can explain complex topics in easy-to-understand language and act as a learning resource, there are concerns about their potential to reduce cognitive workload and enable academic dishonesty. In this presentation, I will share survey data on student usage of LLMs and the effectiveness of AI detectors. Additionally, we will share our experiences with LLM in the classroom. The end product of the discussion will be a potential AI policy we can all use.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Allegheny I Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15275

4:20pm EST

Professional Development of Natural Science Faculty Teaching CURE-based Courses
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
This session will focus on strategies for facilitating the training and professional development of faculty teaching course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). In this session, I will highlight how the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) program at the University of Maryland trains and mentors our 15 professional track faculty. Attendees will learn how FIRE structures our training and professional development of new and existing faculty. Attendees will discuss best practices for training faculty running CURE-based courses. Attendees will also explore how to build communities of practice amongst faculty mentoring undergraduate researchers in CURE-based courses.
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Somerset Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15309

4:20pm EST

Reforming introductory biology with a diversity and race module integrated with fundamental biology concepts
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Reforming our biology courses to create inclusive and anti-racist classroom environments in the face of significant requirements for students to master biology concepts can seem daunting. What if you could coherently integrate evidence-based inclusivity strategies and anti-racist content to support the teaching of foundational genetics and evolution concepts, in a way that makes sense to a biologist and without further diversity training? The session uses the example and data on student learning from such a reformed introductory biology course for science majors to invite you to explore ways to introduce similar reform in your course, department or instructor professional development.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 4:20pm - 4:50pm EST
Butler Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15273

5:00pm EST

Functional genomics and phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Special Science talk!

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a grave threat to human health. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy uses viruses targeting bacteria to treat infections. We have developed a phage therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh which offers custom phage cocktails to treat individual patients with bacterial infections under compassionate use. We isolate and characterize phages that target antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, perform phage susceptibility testing to match infecting strains with phages that can kill them, manufacture and test custom phage cocktails for individual patient use, and follow patients receiving this therapy to study what happens to them.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276

5:00pm EST

I don't want to be the AI-plagiarism detector! Addressing biology teaching challenges in the new AI era
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Roundtable discussion. Bring your thoughts and questions.

In this roundtable discussion, participants will reflect on the changes they have made to their courses in response to the rise of generative AI tools. Topics will include limiting AI use, monitoring its application, and addressing student misuse. Following this, participants will share their experiences—both successes and challenges—in integrating AI into their courses. Together we will reflect on high value use of this new technology for both students and faculty.

Below is the ChatGPT version of the description:
This roundtable invites faculty to discuss the use of generative AI tools in undergraduate biology courses. Topics will include balancing AI restrictions with opportunities for student engagement, strategies for monitoring AI use, and addressing academic integrity. Faculty will share their experiences, highlighting both successes and challenges, in adapting assessments and teaching methods. The goal is to foster an exchange of ideas for responsibly and effectively incorporating AI to enhance student learning in biology classrooms.

Speakers
AD

Aisling Dugan

Senior lecturer, Brown University
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Somerset Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15309

5:00pm EST

So you're thinking about a career in higher ed administration?
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Roundtable discussion.

Panelists:
Andrea Rediske, Interim Dean, Science, Valencia College
TBA

Come hear more about pathways to leadership in administration. Bring lots of questions!
Speakers
AR

Andrea Rediske

Professor of Biology, Valencia College
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Butler Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15273

5:00pm EST

What's next for the ASM Curriculum Guidelines?
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Roundtable discussion.

This is an interactive roundtable discussion about future initiatives for the ASM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology
Speakers
NB

Nancy Boury

Associate Professor, Iowa State University
Microbiologist interested in active learning, assessment, buildling and using case studies to teach general microbiology, general biology, general genetics.
Friday November 15, 2024 5:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Westmoreland East Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15274

5:30pm EST

Affinity Dinners
Friday November 15, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST
TBA
Optional. Join fellow ASMCUE attendees for dinner & conversation at local eateries around the ASMCUE venue. Advance sign-up required. Sign-up sheets will be available in November.
Friday November 15, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EST
TBA

7:00pm EST

Exhibit & Poster Hall Open
Friday November 15, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST
During this time, there will be sponsored Product & Author Corners, posters, and exhibit booths.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

A Brewing Need for Undergraduate Cannabis Education
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in many countries including the United States, where it is increasingly popular for recreational and medicinal use. Therefore, there is a growing need for cannabis education to equip students to appropriately respond to cannabis in personal and professional settings, such as careers in healthcare. Our meta-analysis of over 150 relevant articles revealed a particular need for research on cannabis education at the undergraduate level, which represented only 8.6% of publications, and for greater emphasis on medicinal cannabis and issues related to race, gender, and social justice which were not discussed in the majority of these publications. Here we describe a new undergraduate cannabis course developed to help address these needs. Participants will be invited to share constructive feedback about this course, then engaged in guided discussion of potential benefits, challenges, drawbacks, and strategies of incorporating cannabis education into their own curricula.
Speakers
KB

Kevin Bonney

New York University
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Apprenticeship Research Experiences (AREs): A novel laboratory course to support inclusive experiential learning in undergraduate science education
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Apprenticeship Research Experiences (AREs) provide undergraduates with an opportunity to conduct real-world experiments as members of an investigator’s research team. As AREs offer experiential learning in authentic research settings, they have been demonstrated to enhance students’ self-efficacy and retention in the sciences. Despite these strengths, AREs are associated with several challenges. For example, students often compete for AREs as summer students or scholarships offered by the university or funding agencies. As a result, many students may not receive an ARE during their degree, raising questions of equity/inclusion factors that may impact eligibility. To address these issues, our faculty developed a laboratory course that directly integrates AREs into its structure. I will discuss this novel course structure along with successes/challenges encountered since its implementation. An interactive discussion will follow whereby participants may share ideas and experiences regarding AREs to further support inclusive teaching and learning in the undergraduate laboratory.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Build A Scientist
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
To foster science identity we developed an activity for first-year orientation that introduces students to profiles of STEM alumni who represent a diverse array of career paths, personal characteristics, and skills. Our aim was to encourage students to see their own skills and personality traits amongst diverse scientists working in a broad range of science careers. We invited alumni to provide information about their current employment (job description, daily tasks), educational experiences (degrees, extracurriculars), and personal characteristics (gender identity, race, ethnicity, personality traits contributing to success). Attributes were separated into ‘puzzle’ pieces, mixed, and given to groups of students to assemble into two alumni profiles. After seeing the correct profiles we led a discussion amongst all participants. Pre/post assessments revealed an ability among students to list a variety of skills and traits that allow people to be successful in STEM.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Allen

Mary Allen

Professor of Biology, Hartwick College
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Building Micropia: An interactive portfolio for a microbiology themed First Year Seminar course
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Many institutions use a first-year experience to help incoming, first-time college students transition into higher education. These programs are reported to positively impact student retention, overall academic performance, and engagement with the campus community. At Catawba College, students enroll in a First Year Seminar (FYS) course during the Fall semester of their first year. FYS instructors design their course based on a topic of their choosing, creating a varied collection of FYS sections each year. I recently offered a section of FYS entitled “Microbial Me”, which focused on meeting the microbes that call our bodies “home”. In each FYS, instructors must assess a series of six skill-based learning outcomes, including the ability to summarize and interpret course content in writing as well as the ability to engage in critical dialogue about course content. As one way of addressing these outcomes, I deployed a final, interactive portfolio project, “Building Micropia”, in which students were asked to use digital artifacts collected throughout the semester to construct a virtual museum designed for a general audience, similar to the Micropia museum located in Amsterdam. In each virtual exhibit, students showcased photos from laboratory activities or other assignments while summarizing major course ideas. Additionally, students created a “curator’s office”, in which they wrote about how their perceptions of microbes were changed by taking this class. During our final class meeting, students paired up to “visit” each other’s museums and discuss what they learned from their visit. This project effectively served as a culminating course experience, fulfilled several learning objectives, and allowed students to practice communicating scientific ideas for a general audience. Due to the potential for customization, this assignment is highly adaptable for different course topics, formats, and levels.
Speakers
AR

Amanda Rushing

Assistant Professor of Biology, Catawba College
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Engaging students in computational modeling using an interactive lesson that teaches coding through conceptual understanding of inheritance
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Computation is required for biologists given the prevalence of analysis of large datasets, complex models, and data visualization. Though computation is becoming an essential skill for biologists, students often perceive the practice as too difficult for them. We created an activity that uses computational modeling of polygenic inheritance to teach students both computation and genetics. Our activity introduces students to basic programming using an organizational scheme that enables students to make sense of code by relying on their knowledge of genetics. Additionally, our activity explores polygenic inheritance with the development of skin color to help explain why race is not a biological concept. We extend this activity to microbiology with an interactive discussion and simple example of creating a microbe model. Though our skin color modeling activity focuses on genetics as a learning outcome, the organizational scheme provides a basis for activities in various biology and microbiology courses.
Speakers
avatar for Christian Cammarota

Christian Cammarota

Rochester Institute of Technology
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Flexibility and adaptability in the post COVID education while managing burnout: Learnings from a 413-year old University in the Philippines
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
The 'new normal' in education in the post covid era has challenged the flexibility and adaptability of academic institutions. Our 413-year-old University of Santo Tomas confronts this post covid era by aligning and updating the mode of course delivery in compliance with the government mandates. The impact of these adjustments is burnout that prompted the administration to give importance on promoting self-care to educators as well as to students. In this presentation, I would like to share our journey including coping strategies because Microbrew is a learning platform for mutual insights and realizations.
Speakers
avatar for Ma. Sheila de Jesus

Ma. Sheila de Jesus

Associate ProfessorCoordinator for Microbiology & Molecular Biology-Biotechnology Cluster
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Gaining “CRISPR” Understandings in a Molecular Microbiology Lab: a student-driven laboratory exercise focusing on experimental design
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
This laboratory module involves a variation of CRISPR, CRISPR interference. CRISPRi does not cut or edit DNA but utilizes the specificity aspect of CRISPR to target desired sequences. Therefore, the learning focus is on trickier concepts of gene expression and regulation. Students hypothesize how to target and inhibit Escherichia coli genes or operons of choice, aiming to alter clear, screenable phenotypes, such as lethality or auxotrophy. Using databases and literature, students analyze their gene’s expression in the context of promoters or other regulatory elements. Students then design a single guide RNA to block the gene’s expression using CRISPRi. Ultimately, students design PCR primers, clone sgRNA genes, sequence, and test their system in vivo using relevant growth medias. This student-driven experiment also addresses critical learning goals like designing controls, media supplementation, and lab calculations. Overall, it is a straightforward way to introduce CRISPR to undergraduates while still obtaining large learning gains.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

HHMI SEA PHAGES: Empowering all students with scientific engagement and discovery in an inclusive learning environment.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) SEA-PHAGES program represents a transformative approach to undergraduate education, emphasizing discovery-based learning through a two-semester sequence of undergraduate research experiences. Participation in inclusive research education communities such as SEA-PHAGES has found profound impacts on students' sense of belonging, persistence, success, and agency in science. The SEA-PHAGES program demonstrates that engagement in authentic scientific research fosters a stronger connection to the scientific community, enhances retention in STEM disciplines, and cultivates essential skills and self-efficacy. The SEA-PHAGES project highlights the importance of undergraduate research in democratizing science and shaping the next generation of scientists and an inclusive scientific workforce.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Incorporating Phage Isolation into the Tiny Earth CURE
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
In the Tiny Earth CURE students isolate bacteria from soil samples and test them for inhibition of bacteria that are safe relatives of the ESKAPE pathogens. In addition to gaining authentic research experience, students may isolate bacteria that produce new, clinically useful antibiotics. This ultimate, noble goal inspires students and engages them to learn more about their bacterial isolates. While characterizing their promising inhibitory isolates, students learn many microbiology lab techniques such as microscopy, Gram staining, serial dilution, streak and spread plating, and biochemical testing. When we replaced our traditional microbiology lab curriculum with the Tiny Earth CURE in our general microbiology course, we lamented that students no longer completed a lab activity with viruses. We have designed a lab activity that fits into the Tiny Earth CURE, allowing students to isolate viruses from their soil samples, count plaques, and examine the effect of host strain on phage enumeration.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Innovating Microbiology Education: Developing and Implementing Virtual Labs for Undergraduate Students
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
We have developed a virtual microbiology laboratory that meticulously replicates our physical lab environment into an interactive PC-based program. This educational tool allows students to select from various experiments, including bacterial streaking, motility, gram staining, and biochemical identification of bacteria. Students access all necessary materials and instruments within the virtual lab space. Detailed, step-by-step cascading instructions guide them through each procedure, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. This method enhances comprehension and builds confidence in performing laboratory techniques. Designed for ease of use, the virtual laboratory allows seamless navigation with a standard PC with a mouse and keyboard. This accessibility ensures that all students, regardless of technical proficiency, can benefit from a comprehensive and immersive lab experience, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Integrating molecular diagnostics into classical bacteriology exercises to identify unknowns. General microbiology introductory laboratory lessons.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
As one of the points of emphasis in the ASM Curriculum Guidelines, introducing skills in molecular biology has not only become relevant but necessary. This proposal provides a simple but easy to use hands on means to introduce PCR into a well established bacteriological exercise to identify bacterial unknowns. The sue of two instruments from MiniOne, their PCR system and electrophoresis apparatus, not only simplifies the entire process but can be conducted within the time limit of a laboratory exercise.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Jeopardy-Style Questions: A Game-Changer for Active Learning in Biological Sciences
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
This microbrew session will showcase the integration of Jeopardy-style questions into any biological or microbiological class to enhance student engagement and understanding. Jeopardy-style problem sets present questions in the format of the popular quiz game, requiring students to recall and apply knowledge dynamically. For example, instead of a typical multiple-choice question, students might be asked, "This structure is composed primarily of phospholipids and proteins, forming a bilayer." Students must respond with "What is the cell membrane?" Preparing for these types of questions encourages active learning by prompting students to explore definitions, applications, and implications of concepts. This method promotes critical thinking and deeper comprehension by encouraging students to think broadly and ask diverse questions. It also fosters an interactive and engaging learning environment and supports diverse learning styles. The approach is beneficial as it transforms passive review sessions into active learning experiences, enhances knowledge retention, and improves overall exam performance.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Learning About Microbes: A lab manual for teaching microbiology to middle and high school students
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
The Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of the ASM is in the process of publishing a manual for teaching microbiology called “Learning About Microbes”. The manual was first published in 1998 and is being updated. This book includes laboratory exercises that can be used in middle school, high school, and non-major college classes. Major topics include aseptic technique, microscopy, growing and enumerating microorganisms, environmental microbiology, control of microbial growth, and genetics. In this presentation, we will present our work to date to (a) highlight changes and updates from the previous manual to demonstrate its value as a resource for those who are leading laboratory exercises as part of their current curriculum and (b) make ASMCUE members aware of the manual and obtain their feedback as we prepare to publish the manual. To make the manual as widely available as possible, we hope to publish the book free of charge through Apple Books.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Locked in the Lab
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
An educational escape room was designed to be used in multiple undergraduate courses and with the general public to introduce interdisciplinary content in an engaging way. The full escape room experience and theme uses a One Health approach with participants taking on professional roles within a plausible storyline. The physical escape room design is also modular and can be moved to a wide variety of locations. The design is based upon popular escape rooms, but allows the educator to use a subset of puzzles to tailor lessons to specific concepts and time constraints. During this Microbrew Session, participants will learn the basics of how to construct their own escape room. They will also have the opportunity to solve a few puzzles from the larger escape room design that can easily be introduced into a course on their own or in a larger context.
Speakers
avatar for Sean Coleman

Sean Coleman

Associate Professor of Biology, Wartburg College
I am an associate professor at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa who has been in higher education for 23 years. I primarily teach Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Immunology. I am on the organizing committee for the American Society of Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Preparing for the Unthinkable: A Collaborative Biothreat Assessment Exercise Provides Deeper Understanding of Epidemiological Principles
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
In this collaborative biothreat assessment exercise, students engage in a structured evaluation of public health threats using the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) framework, employing a Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach. Through this problem-based learning activity, students deepen their understanding of epidemiological principles by synthesizing theoretical knowledge with practical application. Utilizing the ECDC framework, students work in small groups to systematically assess factors such as pathogen characteristics, transmission dynamics, and potential impact on public health. The MCDA approach allows them to prioritize and weigh these criteria based on their significance and uncertainty. Through active collaboration, students not only develop critical thinking and analytical skills but also enhance their ability to work effectively in teams. By simulating real-world scenarios, this exercise prepares students to make informed decisions in public health emergencies, reinforcing the importance of rigorous assessment and evidence-based reasoning in epidemiology and biothreat management.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

The Use of Blockbuster Movies to Facilitate Engaged Learning in the Undergraduate Microbiology Classroom
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Microbiology is a very content-dense course at the undergraduate level.  Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of microbiology and the impact microbes have on human health.  Several topics focused on microbe metabolism, morphology, growth, and control are covered.  Students often have difficulty applying the knowledge gained in the course to the real world. To engage students and help them to broaden their critical thinking skills, fictional movies about microbes were used in this 200-level course.  Students were given a list of movies to choose from, in which a microbe is key to the plot of the movie.  This list of movies is Andromeda Strain, Contagion, Outbreak, Mission Impossible II, I am Legend and 12 Monkeys.  Students are put into groups based on movie choice.  At the end of the semester-long microbiology course, each group gives a class presentation.  They must draw from what they have learned in the course to: 1) identify the microbe and its role in the movie, 2) discuss the plot and determine the likelihood of the scenario in the movie occurring, and 3) discuss their reaction to the movie.  Originality of presentations is encouraged.  Some students have made newscast presentations, performed skits, made movie trailers or created games for the class to play.  After completing the assignment, all students stated that microbiology helped them to understand the feasibility of the plot; 90% reported that this project helped apply knowledge to their everyday lives, particularly, in the appreciation and use of universal precautions; 92% said they were able apply some of the microbiological concepts in movie to broaden their understanding of microbes and 98% enjoyed the movie assignment compared to a traditional presentation or paper. This assignment engaged and excited students and they came to appreciate the knowledge gained in the course.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

The use of popular media in online microbiology lecture videos
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Voice-over PowerPoint lectures are a popular format for the delivery of content in online science courses. Modern students have short attention spans and the entertainment aspect of even education, both of which are tough aspects to incorporate in asynchronous online courses. While there is much research on the use of tools to engage students in lecture videos, such as test your knowledge breaks, there is little in the area of video content. Popular media use delivers both entertaining and memorable breaks in content delivery that can enhance student retention of the material by such. The use of copyrighted material and difficulty in learning editing software potentially prevents the use of popular media, but this tool when learned properly, can be both free of fear and eased into other aspects of education.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:15pm EST

Using ASM’s Meet the Microbiologist Podcast to Engage Students in Current Research, Professional Development, and DEI.
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Podcasts have become a widespread form of media that has permeated nearly all aspects of popular culture. With the increased availability of high-quality podcasts that connect to nearly any discipline, they have strong potential for use in education. In this presentation, I will discuss my efforts to incorporate ASM’s Meet the Microbiologist (MtM) podcast into a Microbiology course that serves as a capstone course for biology majors at a small liberal arts university. Through short interviews with scientists, MtM exposes students to current research, career advice and tips from professionals, and the diversity of areas, careers, and scientists in the field. I will outline how I have incorporated this podcast into my course, some preliminary outcomes, and future directions. While this focuses on one particular podcast series, the materials and ideas presented can be applied to other podcast series to fit a wide range of audiences and courses.
Speakers
Friday November 15, 2024 7:15pm - 8:15pm EST
Allegheny II & III Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15366

7:30pm EST

Gideon Online: Product & Author Showcase
Friday November 15, 2024 7:30pm - 8:00pm EST
TBA
Speakers
avatar for Uri Blackman

Uri Blackman

CEO, Gideon Online
Friday November 15, 2024 7:30pm - 8:00pm EST
Westmoreland Central Federated Tower, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15276
 
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