Progress 04/15/22 to 04/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Because demand for bioinformatics capabilities throughout the food and agricultural sciences greatly outweighs current supply, a critical need exists for a diverse, talented workforce well trained in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic Sciences (BiGG). Thus, the primary target audience for the Explore BiGG Data REEU are women undergraduates who are majoring in biological or computer-based sciences with an interest in food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences. Women graduate students skilled in bioinformatics, computer science, and/or agricultural and allied sciences who are interested in mentoring undergraduate research are also a target audience. We are also increasing awareness of the need for women in computational fields in the scientific and educational communities. Participants in the Explore BiGG Data REEU received training on strategic communication to create information on BiGG customized for general public. Changes/Problems:The Univesity of Tennessee has requested a no-cost extension for the project entitled "BiGG FACTS in One Health: Training Next Generation of Women Bioinformatics, Genetics, & Genome Scientists." Without the extension we would be unable to host the final year of the program (June-July 2024) because the project is scheduled to end on 4/15/2024. We have requested a new end date of 4/15/2025; this will allow us to host the final program and to submit publications. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Explore BiGG Data's Scholars were immersed in research programs alongside women scientists, faculty mentors, and graduate students to develop their research abilities, gain leadership skills, and learn about BiGG academic and career pathways. They received technical training in R and worked in teams of two to analyze complex microbiome datasets with bioinformatics. A leadership mentor provided instruction on leadership development including application of their Clifton StrengthsFinder results to teamwork. The research team and various women leaders in the university community shared career experiences with the Scholars in weekly "lunch and learn" sessions. For the 2023 REEU, graduate students have prepared by researching undergraduate mentoring and developing effective onboarding programming as part of a course, Special Problems in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology. For the first time, graduate students were involved in the application process. This provided them with experience in application review and interview processes. They have indicated that these activites were beneficial for their professional development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The outcomes on student development and program assessment for first two years of the REEU were presented by a graduate student at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference in Wooster, OH (June 22-24), and program descriptions and evaluation were presented at the American Phytopathological Society Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA by the PI. The program website was redone and now includes student posters as well as links to publications associated with the project. Two BiGG Scholars were coauthors on a refereed paper that was submitted in 2021 and published in 2022. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the first two years Explore BiGG Data was presented as a virtual REEU so the 2022 session was the first time that the program was held on campus. Based on interviews with graduate mentors from the 2022 program, 2023 graduate student mentors, PI and CoPIs have made changes to program schedules and to the materials that are submitted to students prior to the REEU. In 2021 and 2022, all datasets that were used for student projects were microbiome datasets to allow students to facilitate early student training. In 2023, two projects will involve population genetics, the most experienced graduate student mentor will lead the project on the microbiome. New onboarding materials for the population genetics projects is in the process of being developed by the graduate student mentors. This material is designed to provide the same levels of training currently available to the microbiome project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In 2022, three 5-member teams of women undergraduate BiGG Scholars, faculty, and graduate student mentors in the fields of computer science, bioinformatics, or biology answered research questions using microbiome datasets (dogwood, poplar, and ticks). Evaluators used Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) and post-REEU interviews to evaluate student perception of program impact. All BiGG Scholars (n=6) reported gains in 21st Century Skills and in their abilities to think and work like a scientist. Although only 50% reported being more likely to "enroll in a Ph.D. program in science, mathematics, or engineering" and 67% indicated being extremely more likely "to work in a science lab", pre-program intent may have precluded greater gains in these areas (noted in interviews). BiGG Scholars presented research posters in a university-wide symposium, and most reported that they would collaborate with mentors on a journal article. BiGG Scholars did not report across-the-board challenges indicative of needed improvements, but the issues that were identified have been addressed in strategic program improvement plans. Our data support the effectiveness of the Explore BiGG Data program to holistically increase career preparation and career readiness of women in the BiGG Sciences. Evaluators reached three key conclusions about the program: Conclusion 1: The Explore BiGG Data Fellows mentoring from/learning with other women and the focus on women in leadership was one of the most valuable aspects of the program. Key evidence: Among numerous comments about mentoring and leadership from women scholars, Participant 14 provided a compelling case in point: "[I learned] don't be afraid to stand up for yourself." Conclusion 2: The Explore BiGG Data Fellows changed and/or confirmed their educational and career aspirations based on the program. Key evidence: Fellows were asked how their research experiences may have influenced, or not influenced, their academic and career plans with these results: (a) One-half reported being more likely to enroll in a PhD program in science, mathematics, or engineering, (b) The majority (n=4) reported being "extremely more likely" to work in a science lab, and (c) All gained competencies in "thinking and working like a scientist." Conclusion 3: No clear program improvements emerged from the data. Key evidence: Notably, the Fellows did not report across-the-board challenges that would be indicative of needed program improvements. During personal interviews, four of the six fellows described five different personal challenges. To some extent, these personal challenges may have affected the other Fellows. However, none of these personal challenges became barriers to a successful program, as shown by the data on the Fellows' motivation to do research, 21st Century skills learned, personal gains related to research, career plans, and satisfaction with the program attributes. The overall recommendation from evaluators was to continue the program. The Explore BiGG Data program components (research, mentoring, communication, career development, and leadership development) are helping women undergraduates to broaden their understanding of BiGG career fields. The program is working as designed and continued programming was highly recommended. Hands-on research experiences and mentoring from women leaders were highlights for the 2022 program. Announcements via posters, email, and/or websites as well as contact with academic advisors are recommended for recruitment of future cohorts of Explore BiGG Data Fellows.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Sawyer, T., I. Di Tomassi, B. Kapoor, A. Onufrak, R. Kuster, W. Klingeman, J. DeBruyn, M. Cregger, M. Staton, D. Hadziabdic. 2022. Getting to the core: 33 unique constituents identified as the core microbiome of Cornus florida. University of Tennessee Summer Research Symposium (July 26). https://reeu.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/260/2023/02/TaylorIzzi_Dogwood_Poster.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Smail, S. B. Norris, S. C. Turner, S. J. Emrich, and R. T. Trout Fryxell. 2022. The interaction between species and Rickettsia presence influences tick gut microbial communities. University of Tennessee Summer Research Symposium (July 26). https://reeu.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/260/2023/02/SarahBeth_Tick_Poster.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Little, E., L. Spade, B. Kapoor, R. Kuster, M. Staton, B. Kristy, M. Cregger. 2022. Plant beneficial bacteria dominate a multispecies Populus root endosphere core microbiome. University of Tennessee Summer Research Symposium (July 26). https://reeu.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/260/2023/02/LeahEmma_Poplar_Poster.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Gwinn, K. D., M. A. Cregger, J. L. Donaldson, S. Emrich, D. Hadziabdic-Guerry, J. Moore, A. Onufrak, B. H. Ownley, S. Rampold, T. Rickman, M. E. Staton, C. A. Stephens, and R. T. Trout Fryxell. 2022. Explore BiGG Data addresses shortage of women in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic Sciences using undergraduate research and network mentoring. APS Plant Health 2022, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August 6 - 10.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kristy, B.**, A. A. Carrell, E. Johnston, D. Klingeman, K. D. Gwinn, K. C. Syring**, C. Skalla**, S. Emrich, and M. A. Cregger. 2023. Chronic drought differentially alters the belowground microbiome of drought tolerant and drought susceptible genotypes of Populus trichocarpa. Phytobiomes 6:317-330. https://doi.org/10.1094/PBIOMES-12-21-0076-R
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Progress 04/15/21 to 04/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists working in the fields of genetics and genomics generate large amounts of data that require bioinformatics expertise for analysis and comprehension, while scientists working in bioinformatics require the data for creation of improved computational models, new data pipelines, and enhanced machine learning abilities. Because demand for bioinformatics capabilities throughout the food and agricultural sciences greatly outweighs current supply, a critical need exists for a diverse, talented workforce well trained in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic Sciences (BiGG). Thus, the primary target audience for the Explore BiGG Data REEU are women undergraduates who are majoring in biological or computer-based sciences with an interest in food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences. Women graduate students skilled in bioinformatics, computer science, and/or agricultural and allied sciences who are interested in mentoring undergraduate research are also a target audience. We are also increasing awareness of the need for women in computational fields in the scientific and educational communities. Participants in the Explore BiGG Data REEU received training on strategic communication to create information on BiGG customized for general public. Changes/Problems:A Program Manager has been added to the BiGG team. The Program Manager has participated as a Research Mentor for both the 2020 and the 2021 programs. She will take over the electronic communication for the program during the REEU, and will continue as a Research Mentor. This addition allowed more time for the Program Director to work directly with the students. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Explore BiGG Data's Scholars were immersed in research programs alongside women scientists, faculty mentors, and graduate students to develop their research abilities, gain leadership skills, and learn about BiGG academic and career pathways. They received technical training in R and worked in teams of two to analyze complex biological datasets with bioinformatics. A leadership mentor provided instruction on leadership development including application of their Clifton StrengthsFinder results to teamwork. The research team and various women leaders in the university community shared career experiences with the Scholars in weekly "lunch and learn" sessions. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The outcomes on student assessment and program evaluation were presented at the 2021 Southern Region AAAE Virtual Conference. The outcomes on student development and program assessment of the combined 2020 and 2021 cohorts will be presented at the 2022 NACTA Conference (June 20-24).An oral presentation was given at the American Society of Plant Biology, and, because of the interest in the topic, a poster on the program was also presented. A journal article including two of the BiGG Scholars was submitted to Phytobiomes. Several mentors in the REEU are active in social media and these posts have generated interest in the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Because of the COVID19 pandemic, the REEU was held virtually in 2020 and 2021. We plan to host the BiGG Scholars on campus this summer. The program will be adapted from the virtual programs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The fourteen women undergraduates who have participated in Explore BiGG Data Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) (BiGG Data Scholars) have gained the technical skills needed to confidently enter the new and growing fields of "big data" and bioinformatics analysis. They have learned about the importance of scientific collaboration and mentoring, activities that are required to train the next generation of scientists. Students received training in science communication skills and were provided with leadership strength assessment and skill training. BiGG Scholars are well positioned to become future leaders in the field and to serve as mentors for the next generation of scientists focused on "big data" and bioinformatics. The overall goal of this program is to holistically prepare talented, diverse women for graduate programs and careers in BiGG science through participation in an REEEU. Participations are trained not only in agricultural bioinformatics research, but also in leadership and presentation of science to the public. Explore BiGG Data is designed to: Create a conducive environment for women undergraduates by participation in research collaborations between computer scientists/ bioinformaticians and women project leaders in One Health systems (interdisciplinary collaborations to provide optimal health for people, animals, and the environment) that require big data analysis. Major activities: Researchers sponsored the second Explore BiGG Data program in summer 2021, an 8-week research experience for women undergraduates at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. BiGG Scholars studied for one-week on-campus to learn about BiGG research opportunities in general and begin specific research projects, and the remainder of the program was virtual. BiGG Data Scholars, were immersed in research alongside women scientists, faculty mentors, and graduate students to develop their research abilities, gain leadership skills, and learn about BiGG academic and career pathways. BiGG Data Scholars were sorted into teams composed of computer science and biology-based faculty and a graduate student mentor; all graduate and most faculty research mentors were women. Datasets on plant and tick microbiomes previously developed by the women biology-based faculty mentors were analyzed by teams. A graduate student mentor selected a dataset from a recent publication and provided a week of training sessions on data management and analysis in microbiome research. This training complemented the training on microbiome analysis in R held the first week and increased the students' confidence in developing their research projects. In addition, research mentors and various university and community leaders shared career experiences with the Scholars in weekly "lunch and learn" sessions. Data collected: BIGG Scholars completed the Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) at the end of the BiGG programs. The SALG questionnaire has 130 questions including research experiences and mentoring. The SALG scaled responses for items measuring research skills were: 1 (no gains), 2 (a little gain), 3 (moderate gain), 4 (good gain), and 5 (great gain). Data analysis used frequencies. On the last day of the program, individual phone conferences were held with each Scholar. The interviews lasted approximately 20 minutes and a sample question was "Did your educational aspirations change because of this program? If yes, in what ways?" Of the 14 participants 10 completed the SALG and interviews. The SALG showed that mentoring positively influences personal skills related to research work. Notably, 7 of 10 Scholars reported "great gains" in their confidence in their ability to contribute to science, comfort in discussing scientific concepts with others, and comfort in working collaboratively with others while 8 of 10 reported "great gains" in their ability to do well in future science courses. Furthermore, the women-led research teams emphasized that "women can be leaders in this field of science" (Participant 7). Representative quotes were: "I heard a lot of stories about how there aren't a lot of women leaders. I know that's been true in my personal life. But I really, really loved seeing all the women faculty and women leaders as part of this program. It was very inspiring, and it really helped show me what I could do. I had trouble picturing myself as a leader before this program, but there were so many good examples of what that could look like. Now I have a very good one" (Participant 14). "It was super inspiring to essentially have the large majority of all of the mentors this summer be women. I think, especially for women in science, it's important to see that... It was just super inspiring to see these women, you know, progress in academia to where they are. It's very encouraging for me to continue my education. Everybody was just super supportive, and I think it's extremely important for people to have mentors that are similar to them, whether that's gender or race" (Participant 11). Provide skill mastery for increased self-efficacy. Major activities. The program focused on increasing technical skills in BiGG data analysis. BiGG Data Scholars were presented with a dataset then provided with tools to properly analyze the data. Data collected: The Student Assessment of Learning Gains is a questionnaire with 130 questions. This survey was used to understand how participants may or may not have improved their skills in thinking and working like a scientist and conducting research. The questionnaire inquired about BiGG program experiences, future career plans, and demographics. The survey was completed during the last week of the BiGG program. Research results: The REEU met metrics of increased student interest in graduate education in BiGG and increased student confidence in technical, abilities. All students in the 2021 cohort reported that the experience prepared them for advanced coursework or thesis work. Students reported that discussions of academic journeys with faculty and graduate students were central to their newfound confidence in their abilities. Key outcomes: In addition to technical skill development, participation in the Explore BiGG Data REEU affected a change in student confidence in their abilities and in future plans for educational advancement in BiGG. Increase self-efficacy by 21st century skill development. Major activities: Experts in leadership and communications provided direct instruction to scholars. Students developed blogs on their project. Students completed the Clifton StrengthFinder tests, and coaching sessions for implementation of strengths in teamwork were held. Data collected: The project's program evaluator created the leadership skills questionnaire as an existing instrument for the specific leadership skillset identified by the project plans could not be identified. The questionnaire had 14 questions measuring the extent, if at all, that participants improved leadership skills including project management. Data were analyzed by comparing frequencies before and after. Research results: Students reported gains in all areas of 21rst century skills. Greatest gains were achieved in project management followed by equal gains in efficient and effective work habits, accountability to the team, selection of appropriate mentor and acceptance of advice, and ability to see the "big picture" and think strategically. Key outcomes: The themes that emerged during analysis of the responses from the 2021 cohort were: (a) mentoring from/learning with other women and the focus on women in leadership; (b) changing/confirming educational and career aspirations based on Explore BiGG Data REEU experiences; and (c) gaining confidence to achieve academic and professional goals.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Hunley, L., Donaldson, J.L., Farlow, S., Gwinn, K.D., Stephens, C.A., Cregger, M., Emrich, S. Trout Fryxell, R.T., Rampold, S. D., Hadziabdic-Guerry, Lebeis, S. Olukolu, B.A., Ownley, B.H., and Staton, M.Mentoring from Women Leaders Inspires Undergraduate Women in a Summer Agricultural Research Program. Proceedings of the 2022 NACTA Conference (June 20-24, Wooster,OH).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kristy, B., A.A. Carrell, E. Johnston, J. Cumming, D. Klingeman, K. D. Gwinn, and M. A. Cregger. Chronic drought differentially alters the belowground microbiome of drought tolerant and drought susceptible genotypes of Populus trichocarpa. Phytobiomes (submitted)
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Progress 04/15/20 to 04/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists working in the fields of genetics and genomics generate large amounts of data that require bioinformatics expertise for analysis and comprehension, while scientists working in bioinformatics require the data for creation of improved computational models, new data pipelines, and enhanced machine learning abilities. Because demand for bioinformatics capabilities throughout the food and agricultural sciences greatly outweighs current supply, a critical need exists for a diverse, talented workforce well trained in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic Sciences (BiGG). Thus, the primary target audience for the Explore BiGG Data REEU are women undergraduates who are majoring in biological or computer-based sciences with an interest in food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences. Women graduate students skilled in bioinformatics, computer science, and/or agricultural and allied sciences who are interested in mentoring undergraduate research are also a target audience. We are also increasing awareness of the need for women in computational fields in the scientific and educational communities. Participants in the Explore BiGG Data REEU received training on strategic communication to create information on BiGG customized for general public. Changes/Problems:Moving the REEU to a virtual format was a major change necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustments to online presentations and Zoom meetings resulted in a REEU that exceeded expectations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Explore BiGG Data's Scholars were immersed in research labs alongside women scientists, faculty mentors, and graduate students to develop their research abilities, gain leadership skills, and learn about BiGG academic and career pathways. A leadership mentor provided instruction on leadership development including application of their Clifton StrengthsFinder results to teamwork. The research team and various women leaders in the university community shared career experiences with the Scholars in weekly "lunch and learn" sessions. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The outcomes on student development and program assessment were presented at the 2021 Southern Region AAAE Virtual Conference (February -10). An abstract of an oral presentation on program design and execution was accepted for presentation at the American Society of Plant Biologists and will be presented in July 2021. ASPB also requested that a poster be prepared in order to provide additional access to the information. Students were encouraged to present their results at their home institutions. A BiGG Scholar on the stable fly team presented her research and won 1st place in the undergraduate student competition for Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology at the Entomological Society of America annual meeting. She also presented research results at the Regional Hatch Project, S1076, Fly Management in Animal Agriculture Systems and Impacts on Animal Health and Food Safety (Project No. TEN00465-S1060). Several mentors in the REEU are active in social media and these posts have generated interest in the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The 2021 REEU is also scheduled to be held virtually with an optional 1-week onsite for hands-on laboratory instruction. Journal and book clubs have been added to increase dialogue among BiGG Scholars and mentors. Projects are focused on microbiomes of poplar and of ticks. A graduate student mentor selected a dataset from a recent publication and provided a week of training sessions on data management and analysis in microbiome research. Weekly debriefs with the Scholars and Program Director allow for program adjustments to fit specific Scholar needs. An avenue for the Scholars to pursue additional research has also been added. The communication product was changed to a web blog by the Scholars.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The overall goal of this program is to holistically prepare talented, diverse women for graduate programs and careers in BiGG science through participation in an REEEU. Participations are trained not only in agricultural bioinformatics research, but also in leadership and presentation of science to the public. Explore BiGG Data is designed to: Create a conducive environment for women undergraduates by participation in research collaborations between computer scientists/ bioinformaticians and women project leaders in One Health systems (interdisciplinary collaborations to provide optimal health for people, animals, and the environment) that require big data analysis. Major activities: Researchers launched the Explore BiGG Data program in summer 2020, an 8-week research experience for women undergraduates at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. BiGG Data Scholars, were immersed in research labs alongside women scientists, faculty mentors, and graduate students to develop their research abilities, gain leadership skills, and learn about BiGG academic and career pathways. BiGG Data Scholars were sorted into teams composed of computer science and biology-based faculty and a graduate student mentor; all graduate and most faculty research mentors were women. Datasets on population genetics (invasive & established pest species of cattle; fungal pathogen in walnuts) and microbiomes (soil aggregate inoculum and host factors driving root microbiome assembly and function; changes induced by myrmecochory) previously developed by the women biology-based faculty mentors were analyzed by teams. In addition, research mentors and various university and community leaders shared career experiences with the Scholars in weekly "lunch and learn" sessions. Data collected: On the last day of the program, individual phone conferences were held with each Scholar. The interviews lasted approximately 20 minutes and a sample question was "Did your educational aspirations change because of this program? If yes, in what ways?" Results and Discussion: The seven Scholars who agreed to be interviewed reported that being on women-led and predominately women research teams expanded their science skills; provided them with a valuable mentoring specifically about leadership, academic, and career success; and helped them navigate challenges precipitated from being underrepresented in STEM. A representative comment follows: "So I've learned a lot from the different women leaders that I was able to talk to. I saw that...we all...have some of the same issues...we are underestimated for what we can do. A lot of us suffer from imposter syndrome as women. We apologize, but I also have found strategies to get around those things [and] have found like a community of women who all believe in me and want the best for me". Key outcomes: While immersed in a conducive environment, BiGG Data Scholars gained awareness of the importance of women in the academy and the need for diverse collaboration. Provide skill mastery for increased self-efficacy. Major activities. The program focused on increasing technical skills in BiGG data analysis. BiGG Data Scholars were presented with a dataset then provided with tools to properly analyze the data. Data collected: The Student Assessment of Learning Gains is a questionnaire with 130 questions. This survey was used to understand how participants may or may not have improved their skills in thinking and working like a scientist and conducting research. The questionnaire inquired about BiGG program experiences, future career plans, and demographics. The survey was completed during the last week of the BiGG program. Students and faculty mentors also used a commercial product UREvaluate designed for mentoring undergraduate research. Research results: The REEU met metrics of increased student interest in graduate education in BiGG and increased student confidence in technical, abilities. Students reported that discussions of academic journeys with faculty and graduate students were central to their newfound confidence in their abilities. Key outcomes: In addition to technical skill development, participation in the Explore BiGG Data REEU affected a change in student confidence in their abilities and in future plans for educational advancement in BiGG. Increase self-efficacy by 21st century skill development. Major activities: Experts in leadership and communications provided direct instruction to scholars. Students developed infographics on their project. Students completed the Clifton StrengthFinder tests, and coaching sessions for implementation of strengths in teamwork were held. Data collected: The project's program evaluator created the leadership skills questionnaire as an existing instrument for the specific leadership skillset identified by the project plans could not be identified. The questionnaire had 14 questions measuring the extent, if at all, that participants improved leadership skills including project management. Data were analyzed by comparing frequencies before and after. Research results: Students reported gains in all areas of 21rst century skills. Greatest gains were achieved in project management followed by equal gains in efficient and effective work habits, accountability to the team, selection of appropriate mentor and acceptance of advice, and ability to see the "big picture" and think strategically. Key outcomes: Merging and comparing the questionnaire and interview results was essential for evaluation because it highlighted the importance of Scholars being on women-led and predominately women research teams as keys for developing research skills, improving leadership skills, and expanding career and academic goals.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Donaldson, J.L., Gwinn, K.D., Stephens, C.A., Cregger, M., Emrich, S. Trout Fryxell, R.T., Greig, J., Hadziabdic-Guerry, Lebeis, S. Olukolu, B.A., Ownley, B.H., and Staton, M. Women undergraduates leadership and career development in a summer agricultural research program. Proceedings of the 2021 Southern Region AAAE Virtual Conference (February -10).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Gwinn, K.D., D. Hadziabdic-Guerry, J. Greig, J. L. Donaldson, M. Cregger, R.T. Trout Fryxell, C.A. Stephens, B.H. Ownley, S. J. Emrich, and M. E. Staton. 2021 Explore BiGG Data: a virtual undergraduate research experience in bioinformatics, genetics, and genomic sciences. American Society of Plant Biologists (Virtual). July 19-23, 2021. (Oral presentation and invited poster)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Students prepared infographics for the general public and as advertisements of the program. These are available for use in publicity.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Fuccello, A. N., T. T. Thomas, T. E. Rickman, P. Olafson, D. Taylor, B. A. Olukolu, and R. T. Trout Fryxell. Discovering and identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans L.). Entomological Society of America, virtual conference Nov 2021. 1st place Undergraduate student competition for Medical, Urban, and Veterinary entomology.
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Progress 04/15/19 to 04/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for the REEU are 1) women undergraduates interested in research collaborations between computer scientists/ bioinformaticians and women project leaders in One Health systems that require big data analysis, and 2) women graduate students skilled in bioinformatics, computer science, and/or agricultural and allied sciences who are interested in mentoring undergraduate research. Undergraduates were contacted and encouraged to apply for the program. Graduate students participated in program development and applicant selection. Changes/Problems:Dr. Aruthur Leal passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2019 so Dr. Jamie Greig was recruited as the communications leader for the project. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a move to host the REEU virtually; budget changes were approved by USDA. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate students have been and continue to play an intregal role in development of the the overall program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The program website and brochure have been used to recruit applicants to the program. Graduate students have been recruited by the faculty mentors. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The 2020 Explore BiGG Data REEU will begin on June 1. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the REEU will be hosted virtually, and meetings will be held by Zoom. Each team will work on one research project, and both biology and bioinformatics faculty mentors and undergraduate students in these majors will be on each team. All graduate students have training in bioinformatics. In addition to research training, programming will also feature career development and 21st Century skills training. Students will participate in campus-wide programming sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research that encompasses compliance training as well as programming on cross-cultural mentoring, graduate school applications and funding, and national scholarships. The PI, coPIs and graduate students will present and discuss their professional journey at weekly sessions. In addition, community and academic leaders will speak on their professional journeys and the importance of leadership. Programming will assist in the development of the Fellows' overall understanding of leadership abilities and learn how this understanding guides one in future individual and leadership situations. As part of their leadership skill training, BiGG Data Fellows will use The Clifton Strengths Finder to identify individual dominant strengths. Students and research mentors will use Evaluate UR to facilitate mentor and student communication. Fellows will receive communications training and create infographics about their research project. These will be featured on the website and can be used by faculty in their community outreach. Students in each team will gain experience in presentation of scientific material; each team will present their research to the REEU faculty, graduate students, and other BiGG Data Fellows in preparation for presentation at a university-wide conference. Program assessments will include the Student Assessment of their Learning Gains and targeted interviews. After the 2020 REEU, recruitment strategies will be evaluated, and appropriate changes in recruitment will be implemented for the 2021 REEU.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the reporting period, infrastructure for the 2020 REEU was developed and implemented. . Recruitment efforts were supported by the development and publication of a website and program brochure. Subsequently, the program brochure was distributed at professional meetings (e.g., Plant and Animal Genomics Conference and the national meeting of the Entomological Society of America). The PI and two coPIs attended the recruiting fair held in conjunction with the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Furthermore, information about the program was distributed through numerous email listserves and professional networks. In 2020, four research projects were selected for the program: Differentiating soil aggregate inoculum and host factors driving root microbiome assembly and function; Population genetics of an invasive and established pest species of cattle; Population genetics of fungal pathogen in walnuts; and Understanding plant-microbe interactions in woody plants. Four graduate students (one per research team) whose programmatic studies focus on bioinformatics/computer science were selected as paid mentors for each team. Although not supported by the grant, additional graduate students have chosen to participate as part of a research team. We received applications from 73 undergraduates. Student self-reported race/ethnicity in the 2020 cohort mirrored that of the applicant pool (African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander, 12.5% each and Caucasian, 62.5%). One-half of the 2020 BiGG Data Fellows attend schools with fewer than 5000 students, and 50% attend land grant universities. By design, 50% of the students are majoring in a biology-based degree program and 50% are majoring in computer science/bioinformatics.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
https://reeu.tennessee.edu/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Program brochure - https://reeu.tennessee.edu/
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