About Us

A primary goal of the TU REP project is to increase the number of undergraduate students who can conduct research, particularly early in their academic career. Undergraduate engagement in research can improve student retention by providing higher satisfaction with their education, higher persistence rates in mathematics and science classes, increased odds of positive graduation outcomes, and increased likelihood of pursuing graduate degrees and post-graduate research opportunities, among other benefits. These experiences can help students develop their identity and self-efficacy as scientists. We are in the process of creating more than 12 new CURE laboratory classes over the lifespan of this grant that will significantly increase the opportunities for TU students to conduct authentic research.

A second primary goal of the TU REP program is to provide participating faculty with professional development (PD) in both CURE course development and inclusive teaching practices. We provide PD workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion to increase CURE faculty’s cultural competency. We embrace the idea that we must change our institution to increase inclusion, and one of the primary ways to do that is by providing faculty with PD activities to help change the climate and culture within our science departments. Thus, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were created to help instructors understand scientific inquiry and effectively implement inquiry-based instruction in their classrooms. This has created opportunities for instructors to engage in dialogue that makes it safe for them to ask questions, talk about making changes to their classroom practices, and work collaboratively in a community where uncertainty is not only valued, but supported.