Students will get their hands dirty in real-world STEM research module
NOVEMBER 18, 2024 — UTSA students in microbiology courses will soon have the opportunity to sift through soil samples in pursuit of new antibiotics. Researchers developing this learning experience aim to boost motivation and engagement in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields among underserved undergraduate students while also tackling the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
The team will develop the interdisciplinary online learning module, called Place-Based Soil Data Interpretation and Research in Texas (PBS-DIRT), with a $395,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The project will be led by principal investigator (PI) Ian Thacker, assistant professor of educational psychology in the College of Education and Human Development. Rebecca Schroeder, associate dean of the University College and professor of instruction and multidisciplinary studies, and Sara Shields-Menard, assistant professor of instruction, molecular microbiology and immunology in the College of Sciences are the co-PIs.
“By emphasizing relevant and meaningful applications of science, we can improve diverse undergraduate students’ motivation and learning in STEM fields.”
