Authentic Research Opportunities for All through CUREs: The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Mentorship for Integrating Research into the Classroom (MIRIC) Program

Program Abstract: An effective way to improve undergraduate science instruction is through course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) at all levels of the curriculum. While a CURE is a proven high-impact pedagogical practice, its implementation can be a daunting task. Long-term mentorship in a community of practice dedicated to CURE development is an outstanding way for current and future faculty to overcome barriers to creating CURE experiences tailored to their own unique classroom needs. The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Biology Division’s Mentorship for Integrating Research Into the Classroom (MIRIC) program provides a means to gain experience in CURE development through long-term interaction with veteran teaching mentors. In this session, MIRIC network organizers will work with participants to identify potential research projects appropriate for CURE development, the barriers that CURE instructors and students face, and how to overcome these barriers. Overall, MIRIC looks to facilitate CURE development and thus help provide research opportunities to all undergraduates.