The Cell Biology Education Consortium (CBEC) has emerged as a transformative force in undergraduate biology education, emphasizing experiential learning through customizable cell culture modules known as Cell Blocks. The consortium’s mission centers on enhancing course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) through the development of an infrastructure that supports the integration of research into the classroom. The key objectives include creating a network of faculty committed to enhancing cell biology education, developing innovative research projects, providing robust training and support systems, and ensuring that resources created are widely disseminated across participating institutions.

 The primary goal of CBEC is to facilitate the creation of a series of plug-and-play customizable cell culture modules (Cell Blocks) that can be readily adapted for various educational settings. These Cell Blocks are designed to create CUREs that engage students in authentic research experiences suitable for diverse learning environments. An essential aspect of this initiative is providing funding through a voucher system, which allocates resources for faculty and students to implement these hands-on research projects effectively. Current initiatives also prioritize the dissemination of information about the resources developed under the CBEC umbrella.

Underpinning these goals are significant accomplishments that demonstrate the impact of CBEC initiatives. Currently, CBEC has registered 235 faculty members, primarily from undergraduate institutions, and has funded 32 PUI institutions. More than 800 students have utilized CBEC materials in both classroom settings and research labs, demonstrating the consortium's broad reach. Notably, faculty and students have developed 45 unique Cell Blocks, providing structured pathways for research and learning in cell biology.

One of the notable activities undertaken by CBEC was the establishment of a faculty working group, which facilitated the implementation of the full CBEC Cell Culture CURE. This activity had previously been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet six institutions successfully conducted a similar CURE, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the consortium. Furthermore, partnerships with companies such as Sampling Human have allowed thirteen faculty members to test innovative cell culture assays designed to replace more traditional methods.

The accomplishments of CBEC extend beyond institutional collaboration. Faculty members from the consortium have actively disseminated their findings through various conferences, over 100 student posters acknowledging the CBEC has been presented at 18 national or regional conferences. These conferences have provided invaluable platforms for presenting research, sharing best practices, and networking with colleagues across institutions. Additionally, at least 7 peer-reviewed publications have emerged from the collaborative efforts of CBEC faculty and students, contributing meaningfully to the body of knowledge in cell biology education.

One of the highlights of the consortium's outreach efforts has been its YouTube channel, which hosts instructional videos and research results related to the Cell Blocks. Since the channel's inception, its videos have received approximately 90,000 views, highlighting the channel’s role in enhancing accessibility to educational materials. Each video averages an engaging five minutes in length, making them suitable for both quick learning and detailed understanding.

The development and implementation of Cell Blocks stand as a cornerstone of the CBEC’s initiatives, with over 70 distinct protocols created by students to date. These protocols enable students to design their experiments, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement in their learning processes. This structured yet flexible approach to undergraduate research has transformed traditional classroom environments into vibrant laboratories of inquiry, where students actively contribute to scientific discovery.

The impact of CBEC activities extends into student engagement beyond the classroom. The integration of research components into courses has reinvigorated student interest in cell biology, creating a more compelling academic environment. Reports indicate that students have expressed excitement about participating in genuine research rather than adhering to traditional cookbook-style laboratory exercises. Faculty members have noted a shift towards a more relaxed teaching style, where they can trust students to navigate research challenges, ultimately promoting deeper learning and critical thinking.

 CBEC continues to offer robust training and professional development opportunities for faculty. Regular virtual meetings serve as a forum for addressing challenges and sharing insights. CBEC faculty meets regularly to refine their approaches and enhance collaborative efforts.

The professional development initiatives have empowered faculty, with many reporting improved teaching practices and learning outcomes as a direct result of their involvement with CBEC. CBEC leadership has provided support material for multiple faculty tenure and promotions. The CBEC has writen letters of collaboration for faculty submitting NSF grants of thier own. In addtion, the principal investigator of the CBEC, received the Inaugural Innovation in Education Award from the American Society for Cell Biology, a recognition of the significant impact that CBEC initiatives have had on undergraduate education and student driven research.

Last Modified: 11/20/2024
Modified by: Nathan S Reyna