CRISPR in the Classroom Network - Bringing CRISPR-Cas9 technologies to the undergraduate classroom: an undergraduate instructors' network (RCN Introduction)
Author(s): Donna Lynn Pattison1, Michael Wolyniak2, Tiffany Hoage3
1. University of Houston 2. Hampden-Sydney College 3. UW-Stout
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CRISPR_in_classroom_workshop-flyer.pdfDescription
CRISPR-Cas9 based gene manipulation technology represents a once-in-a-generation advance in molecular biology that has become a mainstream technique in research. However, as is often the case with a new technology, most undergraduate instructors do not have the training or support to bring CRISPR-Cas9 into their curricula. To remedy this, we propose to establish a “CRISPR in the Classroom” network of undergraduate instructors prepared to disseminate CRISPR-Cas9 curricular and laboratory modules to undergraduates. Two NSF-sponsored workshops conducted in 2018 (Award #1823595) and 2019 (Award #1916486) introduced undergraduate instructors to a zebrafish (Danio rerio)-focused CRISPR-Cas9 workflow for undergraduate course-based research experiences. Based on workshop feedback, ongoing experiences, and connections generated from the past workshops, we aim:
- To develop a national network of biology educators of two-year and four-year undergraduate degree granting institutions dedicated to spreading effective curricular modules for the classroom and laboratory activities centered on experiential-based work with CRISPR-Cas9.
- To facilitate a series of workshops and mentoring activities designed to provide instructors, postdocs, and graduate students the skills, support, and confidence needed to introduce and implement CRISPR-Cas9-based modules in undergraduate classrooms.
- To establish an online repository of proven CRISPR-Cas9-based modules across a variety of model systems for instructors with “ready-to-use” curricular elements to adapt for their own specific pedagogical needs using the NSF-supported QUBES platform.
Ways to learn more:
- Wolyniak, M. J., Austin, S., Bloodworth III, L. F., Carter, D., Harrison, S. H., Hoage, T., ... & Challa, A. K. (2019). Integrating CRISPR-Cas9 technology into undergraduate courses: perspectives from a national science foundation (NSF) workshop for undergraduate faculty, June 2018. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, 20(1), 10.
- Explore the CRISPR in the Classroom Network QUBES page.
- See the Workshop Flyer and ASBMB poster files shared as part of this publication.
Ways to get involved:
- Visit our QUBES page to learn about potentially coming to a workshop or joining the online network.
If you are interested in learning more and participating please join this group or email Michael Wolyniak or Donna Pattison.
RCN-UBE #2120417
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
- Pattison, D. L., Wolyniak, M., Hoage, T. (2023). CRISPR in the Classroom Network - Bringing CRISPR-Cas9 technologies to the undergraduate classroom: an undergraduate instructors' network (RCN Introduction). RCN-UBE Community, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/DKBT-YE84