Biology 484 is a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). The goal of Biology 484 is to introduce upper level students to cell biology research using high resolution microscopy. Students work in pairs to tackle a research question related to the RNAi collaboration between the Galati and Lee research labs. The specific question varies by year, but, regardless of the question, students get practical experience with phase contrast and DIC microscopy, epi-fluorescence microscopy, and deconvolution epifluorescence microscopy. In addition, students learn how to analyze image data with ImageJ and FIJI, they learn how to write ImageJ macros, and they learn how to put together clear and concise research figures using the open source vector graphics software Inkscape. The course is highly collaborative and challenging, but ultimately rewarding for both the instructor and the students. Biology 484 has benefited greatly from sub-awards through NSF-funded grants to Dr. Lina Dahlberg (WWU) and Dr. Emily Wiley (Claremont McKenna).

The goal of Biology 323 is to introduce upper level students to the mechanisms that underlie cellular processes. The course has a typical enrollment of 30-50 students. The course is taught using a variety of approaches that are focused on student learning. These include traditional lectures infused with think-pair-share exercises, small group discussions, worksheets, and simulations. Throughout the course, students are introduced to actual data from primary research papers and students must complete a written “News and Views” style summary of a paper recently published in the Journal of Cell Biology.

The goal of Biology 324 is to introduce students to the laboratory techniques that underlie molecular cloning. In this course students gain practical experience with PCR, electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digests, ligations,  and bacterial transformation. In addition, students learn to do basic sequence analysis and bioinformatics using NCBI databases and the Benchling electronic notebook.

Pizza with a Professional through GEAR UP – Mt. Vernon High School – I speak with high school students to introduce them to the fascinating world of cell biology. Through these interactions, I have invited high school students into my lab and classroom to expose them to cell biology research and teaching.

AEES Seminar – Western Washington University – I am a mentor for the AEES seminar course. Through this mentoring, I help first year WWU students transition into their STEM degrees by giving them useful insight into the process of getting a college degree and maximizing their experience at Western.

Compass 2 Campus – Western Washington University – I am a guide for the Compass 2 Campus program. In my role as a guide, I host in person and virtual tours of the microscopy facilities for K-12 students from across the Skagit Valley. These amazing interactions help the Compass 2 Campus program sustain its role as a premier mentoring program to help get underserved students from the Skagit Valley on a path to higher education.

WWU First Year Jump Start – Western Washington University – I serve as a faculty panelist to help first-year students learn some of the unwritten rules to getting off to a great start as a college student. I’ve met many wonderful students through this activity.