Course-based Research Experiences (CUREs) are an evidence-based tool to foster student belonging in the sciences. I implemented a CURE that I learned about in a JMBE article in an upper division course and witnessed students engage and experience ownership of working on their own samples. However, there was a disconnect between the data students were generating in the CURE and my own research. I implemented a top-down and bottom-up approach to design a new CURE for my course that supports my research agenda. I aim to help attendees develop CUREs that support both their students and research program.