CURE Lab

LSU CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience) is a unique program that allows the integration of authentic research projects into introductory biology laboratory courses. To better understand science and gain confidence in their abilities to do scientific research, students in CURE biology labs focus on in-house research projects. Courses are communication-intensive with a strong focus on science literacy. With over 250 students enrolled in CURE labs each semester, introductory biology has been able to offer these experiences on a large scale to a diverse group of students.

CURE Lab Poster Session

The LSU CURE Poster Session is an opportunity for undergraduate students enrolled in introductory biology laboratory courses to showcase their semester-long research projects. Spring 2024 research projects included:

How light intensity affects the growth of diatoms
Effect of temperature on turion germination in Spirodela polyrhiza using plant growth as an indication of a positive interaction
Investigation into physical interactions between the Drosophila Boundary Element-Associated Factor (BEAF) and other chromatin proteins
Effects of climate change on marine invertebrates: eastern oyster physiological response to temperature variation

Mindy McCallum

Instructor
Biology Lab Coordinator

Email Mindy

The poster session for the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) labs was held on May 1, 2024 in the LSU Student Union. Select students from CURE lab courses presented results from their semester-long research projects while other CURE students acted as judges.

Over 250 introductory biology students participated in CURE labs this semester. This opportunity affords a diverse group of student the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research within the framework of a course and under the guidance of enthusiastic graduate students.

CURE labs are built around a 15-week agenda to include authentic, in-house research projects. While much of the curriculum is focused on science literacy skills, PIs and GTAs insert appropriate wet labs into the agenda to focus on a single research project throughout the semester. By answering questions that are unknown and relevant, student work produced within CURE labs is valuable beyond the classroom.