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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Description
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.
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