Undergraduate Student Research Research Articles

Improving the Involvement of Undergraduate Medical Students in Research: The Need of the Hour

Research is mandatory for the progression of the medical field. Research plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating the disease. Hence, it is necessary to train undergraduate students in research and academics. This will help to promote medical education standards too. The major discoveries contributed by the medical students include heparin, insulin, the sinoatrial node

Exploring the learning preferences of farmworker-serving community health workers.

Community health workers are responsible for finding, processing, and transferring health information to communities with limited access to health-related resources, including farmworkers. This paper is the culmination of an undergraduate student research project to explore the learning processes and preferences of farmworker-serving community health workers in the USA. The project was designed for students from farmworker or agricultural backgrounds at two North Carolina universities and was supported by a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services workforce development grant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, in person and virtually, with a convenience sample of 17 current and former community health workers. The interview data were analysed thematically and identified a preference for a combination of learning styles, with visual and hands-on learning being the most preferred. Community health workers also identified the importance of learning preferences in relation to their responsibilities as health educators. This study provides librarians, along with public health and medical professionals, with useful information about learning preferences to inform the creation of new and varied learning materials for community health workers.

PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES, PRACTICES AND BARRIERS TOWARDS SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS OF ISLAMABAD

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the viewpoints, practices, and barriers regarding scientific research of undergraduate dental students in Islamabad.Materials and Methods: The cross sectional survey was conducted in two private dental colleges of Islamabad. 225 students from second to final year BDS were invited to participate in this research by submitting responses through an online survey. A structured questionnaire that consists of demographic details, items to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers regarding research was utilized to collect the data. Chi-square statistical test was used to determine the association between research knowledge and participants’ attitudes.Results: There were 40.4% male and 59.6% female students. 75% of dental students have an idea about the diff erent steps involved in the research process. A significant association was found between research knowledge and participants’ attitudes by using chi-square with p value 0.000. The most important barriers to scientifi c research conduction were lack of time as the syllabus is overloaded (69%), limitation of resources (68%), and Inappropriate or insuffi cient guidance for research (60%).Conclusion: This study concluded that it is essential to address all the barriers highlighted in this study that hinder the research process among dental students. Faculty, supervisors, and administration should play their role in resolving the obstacles highlighted in this study and motivate the students for scientific research. It is recommended to allot suffi cient time for students to conduct research smoothly.

Evolution of Teaching Independent Undergraduate Chemistry Research Courses and Student Skills Developed through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Forward

Evolution of Teaching Independent Undergraduate Chemistry Research Courses and Student Skills Developed through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Forward

Validation Using Structural Equations of the “Cursa-T” Scale to Measure Research and Digital Competencies in Undergraduate Students

Research competencies are considered essential in fields such as science, academia, and technology, and this research seeks to provide a reliable tool to evaluate them. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to validate the “Cursa-T” scale through an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, as well as through structural equations, to ensure that the data collected fit the proposed theoretical model. The study sample consists of 1104 university students, mostly female, and a questionnaire based on previous studies is used. The most important results of the research include the validation of the “Cursa-T” scale through advanced statistical methods, such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale is found to be reliable and valid for measuring undergraduate research and digital competencies, and the data collected fit the proposed theoretical model. The discussion of the research highlights the importance of technology, devices, software, and the use of platforms in the development of research and digital competencies in Health Sciences students. It also reflects on the role of social networks in these competencies, as they can facilitate participation in academic communities. Ultimately, the research underlines the relevance of preparing undergraduate students in health areas.

Emerging Research Interest in Medical and Dental Undergraduates

I am writing this letter to highlight the current encouraging and commendable rise in the involvement of undergraduate medical and dental students in research across Pakistan. A positive surge was detected among the medical and dental institutes reflecting increasing interest and contribution in research activities. A study in Saudi Arabia reported the relationship between rising research trends and its contributing factors, henceforth, stating that admission into residency (56.8%), interest in research (41.8%), and aid in clinical decision-making (31%) were the top three factors for research interest 1.

Avaliação da participação das mulheres brasileiras no CNPQ na área de pesquisa médica

Abstract Introduction: Brazilian scientific production has shown substantial growth and achieved international visibility. However, in general, the participation of women in scientific activities remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the indicators of scientific productivity of women fellows of the Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in the field of Medicine. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 541 (211 women, 39%) researchers registered as recipients of CNPq research productivity (PQ) scholarships in Medicine according to a list provided in December 2022. Results: There was a predominance of male researchers (n=330; 61%). In both the male and female groups, most researchers were at level 2, with 62.5% women and 47.2% men (p=0.018). All 211 female PQ scholars were distributed among 37 different institutions and published 34,969 papers in scientific journals, averaging 165.7 articles per researcher. In the last five years of the study period (from 2018 to 2022), 9,679 papers were published. Over their careers, the 211 researchers supervised 5,440 undergraduate research students, 4,144 master’s degree students, and 2,923 PhD candidates. There was a significant difference between the scholarship levels for the development of human resources in undergraduate research (p=0.040), master’s degree (p=0.027), and PhD. (p<0.001). Conclusion: There are still less women participating in CNPq medical research than men. However, we observed a substantial participation of women in all the assessed items, including technical and scientific production and the human resources training.

Covid-19: Challenges on Undergraduate Research Students to an Online Learning Mode

The profound impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects people's health, work, lives, and how people learn. The switch from the current physical learning to a new system poses several challenges. This research focuses on identifying the challenges faced by the students in adapting to an online learning mode and how these challenges impacted the completion of their dissertations. An initial list of the challenges faced by students in completing the dissertation was identified from the literature review. This list was followed by developing a questionnaire survey distributed to thirty-seven (37) Quantity Surveying students who registered for the dissertation subject in semester two (2), session 2020/2021. The data obtained were analysed descriptively. Results show that the primary concern is not about having a suitable device to be used during the learning process but more on the other factors such as the inability to access the right software for data analysis, difficulty in collecting the data due to the movement restriction, a quiet place to study, stable internet connection, difficulty to stay focused and motivated to do the research, time management, stress and did not know where to go for help. The implications of the findings imply that the university should take necessary action based on the identified challenges in reducing the effects on the students.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES TEACHING AN INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Nine (N=9) undergraduate and graduate students collaborated on an interprofessional health promotion program in Spring 2023. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, this student-led program utilized Persuasive Hope Theory with older adult participants to increase their fruit and vegetable intake and exercise patterns in 1-hour weekly sessions. At four community locations for 15 weeks, students gained skills in team-teaching, facilitating group discussions and activities, and engaging in physical activity instruction with older adult participants. At the end of the program, students completed a modified Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment (URSSA). As a result of participating in this project, students report understanding and familiarity with the research process, following scientific protocols, problem-solving, and working collaboratively. Students also reported their motivations for joining a research study, satisfaction with working relationships with faculty members and opportunities to present their work, and how these experiences with gerontological research have influenced their career goals. The presenters of this paper are the students themselves, who will lend personal experiences and stories to these survey results. The factors contributing to successful student engagement in this project can be applied by other researchers working in community-based contexts.

How to … interest, involve and inspire undergraduate students in clinical education research.

How to … interest, involve and inspire undergraduate students in clinical education research.

Methodological teaching-learning experiments applied to Geotechnical Engineering

The use of problem-based and project-based learning is beneficial. The teaching-learning process requires the development of a critical, objective, and rational mind. This paper analyzes methodological experiments from the teaching-learning process carried out in the geotechnical area of the civil engineering program at three universities in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, for more than 40 years. Three integrated experiments are presented. In the first experiment, undergraduate students in geotechnical engineering courses interacted with companies operating in the area, conducting laboratory and field tests and geotechnical instrumentation. The second experiment integrated students and teachers from different areas of the civil engineering program around a multidisciplinary project, while the third brought together undergraduate and graduate (master and doctoral) student research activities into a single project that extends from the development and construction of geotechnical equipment and applications of new soil improvement techniques to land use planning and occupation. )This study demonstrated the use of positive teaching-learning experiences carried out in the teaching of geotechnical engineering in the development of civil engineers who have technical skills and professional competences. It contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the development of new equipment, soil improvement, testing techniques and in the use, planning and occupation of soils. The interaction between the university, society and government institutions in problem solving also contributed.

Manual annotation of Drosophila genes: a Genomics Education Partnership protocol.

Annotating the genomes of multiple species allows us to analyze the evolution of their genes. While many eukaryotic genome assemblies already include computational gene predictions, these predictions can benefit from review and refinement through manual gene annotation. The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP; https://thegep.org/) developed a structural annotation protocol for protein-coding genes that enables undergraduate student and faculty researchers to create high-quality gene annotations that can be utilized in subsequent scientific investigations. For example, this protocol has been utilized by the GEP faculty to engage undergraduate students in the comparative annotation of genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway in 27 Drosophila species, using D. melanogaster as the reference genome. Students construct gene models using multiple lines of computational and empirical evidence including expression data (e.g., RNA-Seq), sequence similarity (e.g., BLAST and multiple sequence alignment), and computational gene predictions. Quality control measures require each gene be annotated by at least two students working independently, followed by reconciliation of the submitted gene models by a more experienced student. This article provides an overview of the annotation protocol and describes how discrepancies in student submitted gene models are resolved to produce a final, high-quality gene set suitable for subsequent analyses. The protocol can be adapted to other scientific questions (e.g., expansion of the Drosophila Muller F element) and species (e.g., parasitoid wasps) to provide additional opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in genomics research. These student annotation efforts can substantially improve the quality of gene annotations in publicly available genomic databases.

Next generation nurse scientists: A systems approach to engaging undergraduate students in research

BackgroundNursing Doctor of Philosophy program enrollment has declined. Undergraduate nursing student (UGS) research engagement is associated with future graduate education, an essential element for building the nursing faculty pipeline. Purpose(a) To describe the infrastructure and culture-enhancing resources and strategies associated with building UGS research engagement and (b) to evaluate UGS research engagement. MethodsGuided by a socioecological systems model university and college documents, databases, and college of nursing survey results were used to identify approaches to, and outcomes of, engaging UGS in research. Descriptive statistics were calculated to illustrate 5-year UGS research engagement trends. FindingsResources and strategies included grant funding, research assistant funding, student research showcases, and faculty mentorship. UGS research 5-year engagement trends included (a) a 75% increase in the number of students mentored, (b) a 30% rise in funded research proposals, and (c) a 54% increase in paid research assistantships. DiscussionPurposefully using existing resources, growing the college of nursing infrastructure, and cultivating a culture recognizing faculty contributions were approaches associated with increased UGS research engagement.

Understanding Polymer Electrodeposition and Conducting Polymer Modified Electrodes Using Electrochemistry, Spectroscopy, and Scanning Probe Microscopy.

Conducting polymers are critically important materials in organic electronic platforms relevant to sustainability (organic photovoltaics and organic light-emitting diodes) and wearable electronics (organic electrochemical transistors). However, most chemistry students do not receive formal training in the fundamental properties and extensive characterization of these fascinating materials. Described here are four scaffolded learning modules adapted from the primary literature and designed to build the fundamental understanding and practical skills necessary for productive contribution to emerging research in the field of conducting polymers and conducting polymer modified electrodes (CPMEs). These activities were performed by first-year chemistry graduate students and have been used in the lab to orient and equip new student researchers with the electrochemical, spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical skillsets central to working in CPMEs. First year master's students and undergraduate student researchers worked individually to complete data collection, analysis, and interpretation over three 4 h periods with additional time for sample preparation and imaging. Alternatively, one or more of these modules can be adapted and performed by pairs or groups of three over two 4 h lab periods as part of an undergraduate course such as instrumental analysis, polymers, and macromolecules, or as a capstone experience; instructions for these and other modifications are as described herein. If lab equipment and/or available time are limiting factors, sufficient sample data are provided for use as dry laboratories. Through completion of these modules, student researchers learn how to build chemically rational explanations for the electrochemical and spectroscopic signals, to collectively examine data from multiple complementary characterization techniques, and to extract enabling structure-property relationships, all while coming to see themselves as researchers and members of a worldwide scientific community.

Undergraduate Students as Both Mentors and Mentees

Undergraduate students not only have the rare opportunity to experience mentoring from both the perspective of the mentor as well as the mentee, but also have the rare opportunity to experience the impact of mentoring on their leader and leadership development (LD) from both mentor and mentee perspectives. While mentoring is considered one of the most potent tools for LD, having a mentor or being a mentor does not automatically stimulate effective LD. This article will highlight cornerstones of effective mentoring practice when undergraduates are mentees versus mentors and will also offer new frontiers in undergraduate student mentoring research.

An Introductory Course in Electrical Circuits and Coding for Deaf and DeafBlind Middle School Students

The Playful Learning Lab collaborated with Metro Deaf School (MDS) to design and deliver an Intro to Electronics and Computer Programming course to Deaf and DeafBlind middle school students. Four sets of 6–8 students went through an approximately 20-day course that met four days a week for 40 minutes per day. The content of the class focused on electrical circuits and computer programming. Lessons covered topics such as conductivity, closed/open circuits, series/parallel circuits, and coding. Students were introduced to the Scratch computer programming language and Makey Makey kits. The development and delivery of the course was a collaborative effort between Metro Deaf School staff and the undergraduate student researchers in the Playful Learning Lab. The class was a project based mix of lectures, projects, and hands-on assignments. In this presentation we will share the lessons learned by designing, and delivering, this course.

Pathways and barriers to Human Development and Family Science student engagement in undergraduate research

The value of high-impact practices in undergraduate higher education is well documented. However, very little is known about high-impact practices in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) programs. The goal of this study was to explore one specific high-impact practice: undergraduate research. Specifically, our study explored the benefits and barriers of undergraduate research for HDFS students as well as the pathways HDFS students use to become involved in undergraduate research. College student identity theory served as a guide for our inquiry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 undergraduate HDFS students, 13 of whom had participated in undergraduate research and 9 who had not. Results revealed three pathways students took to participate in undergraduate research: interest in a specific research topic, connection with the researcher, and preparation for graduate school. Enhanced learning, professional skills, personal growth, and relationships with others were identified as benefits of participation in undergraduate research. Barriers to participation in research included time, lack of awareness, and feelings of fear or intimidation. Specific processes for students and faculty to overcome these barriers are suggested. It is recommended that HDFS faculty and administrators provide multiple pathways and supports for undergraduate students to become involved in research.

Manual annotation of Drosophila genes: a Genomics Education Partnership protocol

Annotating the genomes of multiple species allows us to analyze the evolution of their genes. While many eukaryotic genome assemblies already include computational gene predictions, these predictions can benefit from review and refinement through manual gene annotation. The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP; https://thegep.org/) developed a structural annotation protocol for protein-coding genes that enables undergraduate student and faculty researchers to create high-quality gene annotations that can be utilized in subsequent scientific investigations. For example, this protocol has been utilized by the GEP faculty to engage undergraduate students in the comparative annotation of genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway in 27 Drosophila species, using D. melanogaster as the reference genome. Students construct gene models using multiple lines of computational and empirical evidence including expression data (e.g., RNA-Seq), sequence similarity (e.g., BLAST and multiple sequence alignment), and computational gene predictions. Quality control measures require each gene be annotated by at least two students working independently, followed by reconciliation of the submitted gene models by a more experienced student. This article provides an overview of the annotation protocol and describes how discrepancies in student submitted gene models are resolved to produce a final, high-quality gene set suitable for subsequent analyses. The protocol can be adapted to other scientific questions (e.g., expansion of the Drosophila Muller F element) and species (e.g., parasitoid wasps) to provide additional opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in genomics research. These student annotation efforts can substantially improve the quality of gene annotations in publicly available genomic databases.

Use of Off-Label Drugs in COVID-19: Clinicians' Perceptions Based on a Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Introduction The absence of a common National Treatment Guideline during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India resulted in different treatment strategies, and the use of "off-label drugs" (OfLDs) was one of them. Aims This study aimed to assess the proportion of doctors who prescribed OfLDs, their perceived appropriateness, and the factors leading to their use. Settings and design This is an undergraduate student research project, in which a web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on doctors who delivered care to COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the pandemic in Uttarakhand, India. Materials and methods The minimum sample size was 370 (for a 95% confidence level, an alpha error of 0.5, and a power of 80%). Data were collected electronically using a validated questionnaireafter institutional ethical clearance and the participants' consent. Statistical analysis This is a descriptive-analytical study. Results We received 419 completed responses; all specialties had seen COVID-19 patients, and 91.4% (383) of the doctors had provided care toCOVID-19 patients in some way or the other. About 90.7% (380) of the doctors used OfLDs; 62.5% (262) agreed that OfLDs were beneficial, and 78.9% (331) disagreed on universal steroid use. Only 34.1% (143) felt that using OfLDs was ethical. About 16.9% (71) of the doctors believed that alternative medicine was a useful treatment adjunct, and 20% (84) of doctors prescribed OfLDs under duress. About 21.2% (89) believed that Remdesivir was the main treatment for the disease, and 18.6% (78) believed that Tocilizumab was the main treatment for the disease. Personal experience, conviction, or advice from peers were among the various reasons that were put forward for using OfLDs. Conclusions The use of OfLDs during the COVID-19 pandemic in India was extensive. It was done sometimes under pressure and was largely based on confusion (multiplicity of guidelines, many times at variance with each other) as well as on a personal or low level of scientific evidence forwarded to support the use.

Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences as a Community of Practice (CoP)

Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are a pedagogical model where a traditional undergraduate course is transformed into a research-intensive course, offering an alternative pathway to research for undergraduate students. Given the novel learning context of CUREs, there is a need to understand the learning that occurs and the impact of social interactions on students in defining and managing the socially negotiated understandings and practices of the science research laboratory. This manuscript reports the findings from a qualitative study of students enrolled in a CURE sequence that bridged a lower-division organic chemistry laboratory with an upper-division quantitative analysis laboratory. Communities of practice are groups of people who share a common objective or seek to address a common problem, characterized by three elements, domain, community, and practice. The design elements identified for CUREs, research practices, discovery, relevance, collaboration, and iteration, can be aligned with the three elements of CoP to provide a lens to make sense of the learning that occurs in this novel context. Focus groups consisting of 3–5 students each were conducted with students participating in two cohorts (N = 65) of the CURE sequence during the last week of the academic term. In addition, semistructured interviews were conducted with CURE faculty. Thematic analysis of the interview data derived three themes: working toward a common goal, addressing obstacles, and developing a deeper understanding of the science content. The alignment of the themes with the Lave and Wenger’s Community of Practice (CoP) Framework is described and provides the basis for applying CoP to research on CUREs.