Jumping worms, community science and course-based undergraduate research experiences

Abstract

● Inclusion of undergraduates in authentic research is an effective tool to increase interest and competency in a research career. ● Not all undergraduate students are able to participate in these formal research opportunities. ● To expand the connection of undergraduate students with researchers and educators, a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) was developed to engage students through their undergraduate institution. ● This CURE provided undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), an opportunity to participate in ongoing environmental and community-based research and increase their interest, familiarity and confidence in research. ● A collaboration was formed between UMR, the University of Minnesota Extension and the Rochester, MN community. ● Students investigated the microbial community of soils with and without invasive jumping worms.