A CURE all?: Creating course-based research opportunities for undergraduates in disease ecology

Catherine L. Searle, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, Alyssa M. Gleichsner, Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY and Shannon R. Butler, University of California, San Diego

Undergraduate research experience can help students develop an understanding of the scientific process and provide them with essential skills for future careers. However, space in research labs is often limited and the recruitment process for traditional internships disadvantages some groups. Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are one way to close this opportunity gap and allow a large number of students access to research. In this talk, I will discuss the development and implementation of a CURE course in Disease Ecology for freshman biology majors along with some advice for those considering developing similar courses.