Human subjects research as part of immunology education

Abstract

Abstract Original research has been identified as a high impact practice in undergraduate education – students who participate have been shown to be more likely to be be successful in professional and academic graduate programs. Course-embedded research allows for students to tie laboratory experiences to classroom concepts and allows for many students to benefit from faculty oversight. Undergraduate research in immunology presents challenges because most models of immunology are limited to vertebrate organisms, which require additional regulatory oversight from Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees or Institutional Review Boards. One common solution is to limit student interaction with organisms by using isolated or cultured cells, however this prevents students from gaining a realistic understanding of all the stages of immunological research. Obtaining authorization for student-designed research, conducting the projects, and analyzing and presenting the results within a single semester is a daunting proposal, one which has been further complicated by the full implementation of the new Common Rule for human subjects research. We have developed a model for conducting human subjects research within a single semester of a junior-level undergraduate immunology course. By using a framework protocol, non-invasive sampling, and anonymized presented data we are able to work within IRB/IACUC regulations beyond the classroom exercise level, allowing students to share their findings with the broader campus community, in online portfolios, and at professional conferences. This model has been sustainable for five years at a public primarily undergraduate institution and has been successful under the new common rule regulations.