Cheryl Bardales

LSUA is enriching the biological sciences by introducing Bioinformatics into the curriculum. This integration combines biology and computer technology, reflecting the latest advancements in STEM education and keeping pace with rapid advancements in genomics, medicine, and biotechnology. The addition of Bioinformatics introduces students to multidisciplinary learning environments, equipping them with essential analytical skills for today's data-driven scientific research. The initiative distinguishes the university as the first member from Louisiana in the Genomic Education Partnership, which includes over 200 institutions in the US. Central to the GEP is Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences, fostering hands-on learning and undergraduate research proficiency. The initiative's first year focuses on faculty development in areas like Python, R, and Big Data Analytics, ensuring robust mentorship in bioinformatics. The second year will formalize a comprehensive, interdisciplinary bioinformatics curriculum, further enriched by the growing collaboration with GEP, offering students increased research and teamwork opportunities. LSUA's addition of Bioinformatics to its curriculum is a significant step in creating an interdisciplinary educational setting in tune with the changing biological sciences and technology fields. LSUA is dedicated to building a future where education goes beyond the usual limits, leading to new areas of science and technology.

Esperanza Zenon,

This presentation will focus on the development and utilization of openly licensed materials (OER) to support dual enrollment online physical science courses developed as part of the Interactive OER for Dual Enrollment project funded via the Open Textbooks Pilot grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education. This presentation will allow attendees to share their knowledge and experience with open content and open pedagogy. They will also share strategies and tools for creating content and curriculum that is inclusive of all learners. Attendees will also discuss opportunities for funding dual enrollment projects that they are aware of or have utilized.

William Dees

Summer undergraduate research (UR) opportunities across North America and overseas are available for students attending Louisiana institutions of higher education.  Students who participate in UR gain real-world experiences and learn if they want to go to graduate or professional schools and/or if they want a job in a specific scientific field.  A variety of acronyms are used to search the internet when pursuing UR programs (e.g., research experiences for undergraduates [REU], summer internship program [SIP], and summer UR experiences [SURE]).  Various types of UR programs are also available (e.g., short-term or long-term and paid or volunteer).  Louisiana offers several summer UR programs through the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network (LBRN).  Many of these LBRN programs are located at Louisiana State University Health in New Orleans and Shreveport as well as at other educational/research institutions throughout the State.  Other UR opportunities include Louisiana Department of Health, Ochsner Health, and Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium.  Resources for a plethora of UR opportunities are presented and include state, regional, national/Federal and international-based programs, and museums, private companies, and scientific societies.  In addition, this presentation includes general UR application procedures as well as recommended pre- and post-UR activities for students to consider.