“The Impact of Undergraduate Research in Biology at a Small Primarily Undergraduate Institution”

Stacey Lettini, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Gwynedd Mercy University

In 2009, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) developed the Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education A Call to Action. This document called for a revision to the approach of biology education.  Specifically, it called for students to obtain five core competencies: the ability to apply the science process; use quantitative reasoning; use modeling and simulation; communicate and collaborate with other disciplines; and understand the relationship between science and society.  All five of these core competencies can be achieved through undergraduate research, and undergraduate research is now considered an educational best practice by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). It has become an important pedagogical tool for training students in the sciences.  For small primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) such as Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU), undergraduate research has been essential to biology students obtaining these core competencies as well as successfully training students for experiences post-graduation.  GMercyU will be used as an example for the development and maintenance of successful, impactful undergraduate research experiences for students at a small PUI.

**New Location**

Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB)

Drexel University Campus in University City

3245 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Building #58 on map at 33rd and Chestnut Street  

https://drexel.edu/about/locations/university-city-campus/ucity-campus-map

Reception: 5 to 6pm

Lecture: 6 to 7pm

Please join us in person for refreshments, reception, and lecture!

For those who cannot attend, the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom (for Branch Members) or our EPAASM YouTube Channel (non members)

Masks and COVID-19 vaccination recommended.

Transportation Information

Parking: Drexel University Parking Garage, 34th Street between Chestnut and Market Streets (#16 on the campus map, entrance is at the corner of 34th and Ludlow), Philadelphia, PA 19104. Parking will be validated at a cost of $5.00 if using this garage.