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The SEA's first undertaking, the National Genomics Research Initiative (NGRI), is a national experiment in both research and education that revolves around a research course in genomics for undergraduate students. In the program's first full year of implementation, 270 students from 12 undergraduate institutions--including large research universities and small liberal arts colleges--participated.
NGRI students participate in an authentic research experience--integrated into a laboratory course designed for freshmen--that will result in a significant contribution to the broader genomics field. In the full academic-year course, students:
isolate and characterize bacterial viruses from their local soil prepare the viral DNA for sequencing annotate and compare the sequenced genome
The course builds on themes and techniques from across biology, including microbiology, molecular biology, electron microscopy, and bioinformatics.
Working scientists construct experiments to answer questions, but too few students are given the opportunity to experience discovery because of the resource-intensive nature of fundamental research. To have broad impact, the institution must change the typical approach to undergraduate research. Instead of one professor working with one or two students during independent study or a summer session, this nationwide endeavor shifts the research experience to an integrated part of the students' core curriculum--reaching much larger numbers of students. To work across many campuses, the initiative should require minimal resource input from participating institutions and it must include a real research problem that can spark scientific curiosity in students and in the scientific community.
Genomics research fits these criteria. It exposes students to cutting-edge research techniques, it can be divided easily among student groups, and the primary resources needed to support the research--DNA sequencing and computer access--can be made accessible with minimal effort.
The results of the research are meaningful. After all, genomics data generated by student participants will be used by other researchers to answer medical, ecological, and evolutionary scientific questions. In particular, the bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) used in this course are highly abundant in the environment genetically diverse, and they impact both human health and ecosystems. Participating students will see how their data may be used by other researchers in the SEA network--underscoring the collaborative nature of modern science.
For faculty, the course offers an opportunity to engage more students in research and to perhaps unify research and teaching programs. Exchanging both teaching and research expertise between participating universities can also help faculty move their own goals forward. Faculty spend some extra time setting up the course, but the tradeoff of teaching engaged and invigorated students should be well worth the investment.
Students absorb the process of doing science as well as the critical thinking and communication skills that are key for research careers. In addition, students have ownership of their bacteriophage projects and may be captivated enough to seek other research opportunities as soon as they leave the class.
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