Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Professionals: Integrating Computational Thinking into an Applied Molecular Forensics Research Program

培养下一代 STEM 专业人员：将计算思维融入应用分子取证研究项目

• 批准号: 1140828
• 负责人: Christopher Kitts
• 金额: $ 20万
• 依托单位: California Polytechnic State University Foundation
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-09-15 至 2015-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1140828&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Preparing; Next; Generation; STEM; Professionals

The investigators are developing an integrated, multidisciplinary undergraduate molecular forensics curriculum that fosters an experimental mindset, providing a platform to transform the way students experience the application of technology in scientific discovery. Combining analytical procedures in microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics with algorithmic and computational skills in computer science, the program is engaging students across the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Engineering in educational experiences involving cutting-edge applied research through the lens of an initial focus: production of a working database of E. coli fingerprints for use in tracking environmental contamination.The curriculum is being delivered to over 1,000 students each year in multiple inquiry-based courses. These courses lay the foundation for a new emphasis in molecular forensics at Cal Poly, which leads students from the field, where E. coli is collected, to the laboratory, where the bacterial DNA is amplified and sequenced, to the computer, where the data are evaluated and archived in a database. Each lab module engages undergraduates in research with broad applications in the areas of food and water safety. Molecular forensics modules are integrated into the core of introductory courses at the Foundation level (freshman/sophomore), linking microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. At the Integration level (junior/senior), focused courses guide students in the construction and use of databases in molecular forensics. Two bioinformatics courses, one for life sciences majors and one for computer science majors, are being taught in concert to provide students with project-based experiences in multidisciplinary team settings. The student experience culminates at the Application level (senior project capstone) with teams of students working on research with environmental and health applications using the forensic database created in the program.The project is cultivating an undergraduate research community while contributing to the field of molecular forensics. As diseases caused by food-and-water-borne bacterial pathogens continue to be a major public health issue, the importance of developing efficient methods for tracking the sources of outbreaks cannot be overemphasized. Throughout the molecular forensics curriculum, students are contributing to the development of solutions for rapid identification of contamination sources in recreational and potable water as well as food supplies. Computer science students are gaining the real-world experience of working directly with clients in the development of science-specific software applications.

研究人员正在开发一个综合的，多学科的本科分子法医学课程，培养实验思维，提供一个平台，改变学生体验技术在科学发现中的应用的方式。该计划将微生物学，生物化学和生物信息学中的分析程序与计算机科学中的算法和计算技能相结合，该计划使科学与数学学院和工程学院的学生参与教育经验，通过最初重点的透镜进行前沿应用研究：生产E.大肠杆菌指纹，用于跟踪环境污染。该课程每年通过多种探究式课程向1 000多名学生提供。这些课程奠定了分子法医学在加州理工学院，这导致学生从该领域的新重点的基础，其中E。大肠杆菌的DNA被收集到实验室，在那里细菌DNA被扩增和测序，到计算机，在那里数据被评估和存档在数据库中。每个实验室模块都让本科生参与食品和水安全领域的广泛应用研究。分子法医学模块集成到基础水平（大一/大二）的入门课程的核心，连接微生物学，生物化学和生物信息学。在综合水平（初级/高级），重点课程指导学生在分子法医学数据库的建设和使用。两个生物信息学课程，一个为生命科学专业，一个为计算机科学专业，正在教音乐会，为学生提供基于项目的经验，在多学科团队设置。学生体验在应用水平（高级项目顶点）达到高潮，学生团队使用程序中创建的法医数据库进行环境和健康应用研究。该项目正在培养本科生研究社区，同时为分子法医学领域做出贡献。由于食源性和水源性细菌性病原体引起的疾病仍然是一个重大的公共卫生问题，因此开发有效方法追踪疾病爆发源的重要性怎么强调都不为过。在整个分子法医学课程中，学生们正在为快速识别娱乐用水和饮用水以及食品供应中污染源的解决方案的开发做出贡献。计算机科学专业的学生正在获得直接与客户合作开发科学特定软件应用程序的真实经验。